Feedback and story ideas are appreciated, this is my first one, so don't be too harsh.
A little background, they’ve been married 1 year and a half, Alistair has left them alone for now, and Sheridan hasn’t been cut off financially or otherwise. Her family pretends to embrace the marriage. They bought their own house about 2 months before the wedding; it is big, but not huge, three floors excluding basement and attic. Sheridan paid for it, and Luis blew a gasket… you know him. Maybe I’ll write a prologue when I’m done with this story.
Sheridan had burst through the door. Luis opened the shower curtain to find Sheridan throwing her guts up. Luis turned off the water, wrapped a towel around his waist and walked over to his wife. He started to gently rub her back to sooth her. As soon as she was finished, Luis asked, “Hey baby what’s wrong?” She looked at his loving and concerned eyes and said, “I don’t know, I was starting to get dressed… (Luis helped her off the floor) and I suddenly got very nauseas." She picked up her toothbrush and started brushing her teeth. Luis anticipated her next move and caught her as she felt extremely dizzy and started falling. Luis picked her up in his masculine arms and carried her to their bed. Luis set her down and looked at her with such concern in his eyes. Sheridan loved that look. To her, it meant that he loved her and she reveled in that feeling. She was stirred from her thoughts when Luis gently sat her up against the headboard. Luis asked with so much emotion “are you okay, you look so pale, I think you should see a doctor.” His hand was now feeling her forehead for a fever, and the other rubbing her arms. “I feel a little run down and nauseous, but sometimes I get this way before I get my per…” She stopped speaking as the instant realization of what might be wrong with her slapped her speechless. Luis saw an odd look wash over her and asked somewhat upset, “get your what, get your what; what is it, what’s wrong?” “Luis go get my purse from the chair” He ran over and brought it back to her. She took out the date book and flipped frantically through the pages. There it was in black and white, Sheridan couldn’t believe her eyes. This, plus the nausea, the fatigue, the sore and swollen breasts (non of which she had told Luis about). It all made sense. "Luis," she said very nervously, she was about too tell the man she loved that they might be starting a family. Again she started “Luis, I’m late.” He was a little confused and said, “I know Gwen is going to be here any minute, but what does that have to do with you being sick.” He figured since she was looking at her date book, that she meant she was late for a brunch or something. Sheridan giggled a little, not wanting to make Luis feel stupid, how could he know what she was talking about, especially since was looking in a date book. He probably thought I meant late for an outing. (Isn’t cute how they can know what the other is thinking) "No Luis," she said a little flushed, and a hint of embarrassment coming to her cheeks. She knew she could tell Luis anything, but talking about her period was still a little embarrassing, but not only for her, for him too. She remembered one time he wanted so badly to make love, but she had to decline because of woman troubles. Anyway, she pulled her legs over to the side of the bed, and sat next to Luis gazing into his eyes and picked up his hands into hers. She had a half-smile on her face, took a deep breath and said, “My period is late.” Luis looked downed slightly embarrassed, not only about the subject, but his stupidity. Then it hit him, Sheridan might be pregnant. He looked lovingly into her eyes and asked “how late?” “About a week.” Luis was so happy he wanted to burst, but he kept his emotions under check, because it could be a false alarm, and he didn’t want either of them to be too disappointed. He asked very calmly “a week as in 5 days or 7.” She replied a little sluggishly “…9… days.” Luis had so many questions “Are you sure, were you planning on telling me, do you think you’re having morning sickness, we should go to the doctors as soon as possibly right?” He was now pacing back and forth in front of Sheridan “Wow, Luis, slow down.” She took his hand and led him to the bed next to her. “Here look,” she said. She took the book and went month by month with Luis. “I circle the first day of my period, and X out the ones until it’s over.” He looked genuinely interested. “See for the last 3 months I circled the fourth, I’m very regular, anyway, it’s already the 13th and I haven’t circled anything yet. I guess I didn’t mind having so many extra days to make love to my handsome husband that I didn’t notice” She slightly tickled his side, at the same time she felt his perfectly formed muscles. He smiled at her and wiggled his eyebrows, he then put his forehead against hers and they just sat there gazing at each other thinking how wonderful the other is, and that they may soon be having a baby.
She started banging on the door and screaming, “Sheridan are you all right, are you ready to go? SHERIDAN!!” She rang the door bell again. Sheridan was the first to break the kiss “Luis that was amazing and I don’t want to stop, but Gwen is gonna break the door down If I don’t go and answer it.” “NO, no, no you don’t, you’re not going anywhere. You need your strength, just sit there and eat your breakfast, it’s probably cold by now, so just eat, I’ll go tell Gwen you’re sick and can’t go out” “But Luis…” She tried to get up and Luis set her back down and pulled the tray back up and handed her the fork. “Eat, I’ll take care of Gwen.” “You know I love you Luis, but sometimes you can be a little too protective.” He said I love you too, and refused to recognize that last statement as he went down to deal with Gwen. When he realized he was only wearing his boxers, he turned back and threw on a shirt and then answered the door. “Hi Luis, is Sheridan ready?” Gwen asked as she barged in the door without even being asked to come in. “No Gwen, she’s very sick and has to cancel.” “Is she all right” “I’m sure she’s fine, we think she has the stomach flu because she threw up this morning, but she has a doctors appointment this afternoon, just to make sure.” “Well, does she need anything, can I help in any way?” "No," Luis said trying to push Gwen back out the door. She wasn’t his favorite person considering she once tried to kill Theresa, and still tries to win Ethan back. “Okay then, I guess I’ll get going, bet tell her to call me if she needs anything. “I will thanks Gwen Bye.” “Bye”. Luis bolted for the stairs so he could spend just a little more time with Sheridan before he had to leave for work.
When he got back to the bedroom he didn’t see Sheridan in bed. “Sheridan, where are you?” He noticed that the food had been eaten, which was a good sign. He heard noises coming from the bathroom and walked over to the door. He opened it slowly to reveal Sheridan throwing up again. It made him sick himself seeing the woman he loved bent over the toilet barfing “Sheridan," he approached her slowly and sat down. He rubbed her back in a soothing fashion he noticed she relaxed a bit when he did it the first time she got sick. He was right she turned around and faced him, tears running down her cheeks and a weird color green dominating her usual flawless porcelain skin. “Oh sweetheart, are you okay?” Luis asked. He then took her face in his hands and brushed away her tears with his thumbs. “Yeah, I’m okay, I don’t think breakfast, specifically the eggs, was such a good idea.” “I’m sorry baby, come on, let me help you stand up you’ll feel a lot better if you brush your teeth and wash your face with some cold water.” She did just that and when she was finished, she looked in the mirror, as Luis held her around the waste, but not to tightly, and gently rubbed her stomach. “Thanks Luis, that’s very comforting. Although my shoulders are a little sore.” “No problem,” he rubbed her shoulders as she watched in the mirror. “What did Gwen say” “Nothing much, just that if you needed anything, give her a call.” “Luis?” “Yeah.” “I feel dizzy again.” He cautiously carried her back to the bed and laid her down. He looked at the clock and realized he really had to get ready for work “Sweetie, I really don’t want to leave, but I have to go to work. What time was your appointment again?” “12:15” “Okay, I will pick you up during my lunch hour and bring you over to the hospital, we don’t need you getting into any car accidents because your sick, even though it wouldn’t surprise me if you got into an accident, we all know your impeccable driving record.” They both laughed at the memory of Sheridan smashing into Luis’ police cruiser. “That’s it Luis, I want a divorce.” Sheridan joked. “You’re always picking on my driving,” she affectionately punched his leg. “I’m sorry baby," he said as he kissed her forehead. "Forgive me?” She looked like she was contemplating for a moment and said "Maybe, but I might need some convincing.” “Oh no you don’t I have to go to work, I want you to rest while I’m gone." With that, he kissed her. It was short and sweet. “I’ll see you at noon Sheridan, be ready because I only have an hour for lunch.” “Yes sir” She saluted him, and they both giggled. The tone was suddenly turned serious. “I love you Sheridan, and please stay in bed while I’m gone. Do you think you’ll be okay alone? Should I call Theresa to come and keep an eye on you?” “Luis, you worry too much. I’ll be fine, and I love you too, now go to work!” They kissed and he left for work, but he knew he wouldn’t get any work done, realizing that his thoughts we be consumed with the love of his life, and the fact that no matter what happened at the doctors today, their family was going to have a new addition.
“Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, the doctor will see you know.” The nurse stated. “Can my husband come in with me?” Sheridan asked hopeful that the answer would be yes. The nurse was mean and gave them a nasty glare “He can go in with you, but you’ll have to ask the doctor if he can stay.” “Thank you” Sheridan answered hastily. Luis and Sheridan gave each other that ‘what a witch’ look, and walked into an examining room. “Hello Sheridan, Luis, how are you” Eve asked cheerfully. “We’re good Eve, but a with any luck we’ll be even better.” Luis stated with a childish smile, praying that Sheridan was indeed pregnant. “Well I see you’re anxious, so let’s get started.” “Can Luis stay with me?” Sheridan asked. “Well normally I’d say no, but how can I say no Luis looks like he’s about to do summersaults through the hospital.” They all laughed and Luis grabbed Sheridan’s hand and gave it a gentle but firm squeeze. “I need you to know that this is a very intimate exam Sheridan, do you still want Luis here?” Eve asked already knowing the answer. Sheridan gave Luis a loving look and said “Absolutely, I could never be embarrassed in front of him and I would feel better with him here. Less nervous, you know?” Luis wanted to burst at the seams, he loved her so much, and it amazed him at how she managed to make him love her more each day. “That’s fine Sheridan, Luis can stay.” Eve handed Sheridan a hospital gown, “just go into the bathroom and put this on, take of all your clothes except for your socks.” Sheridan emerged from the bathroom ready to begin.
“Okay Sheridan I’m going to ask you a couple of questions first and then we’ll begin the actual examination.” Sheridan sat on the exam table and held on to Luis’ hand firmly. He whispered in her ear “Don’t be nervous sweetheart, just relax and it will be over soon.” She was very nervous, and just having Luis there was helping substantially. “Ready” Eve asked. Sheridan shook her head and Eve began. “What are your symptoms?” “Well, Sheridan started, I had an incident this morning. “What happened?” “I woke up this morning and felt very sluggish, I just couldn’t get out of bed, and my entire body seemed to have this dull ache and a couple minutes later I started getting nauseous and ran to the bathroom and threw up, then I got dizzy and almost fell. Luis had to carry me back into the bedroom because I couldn’t even walk straight.” “How many times did you throw up today?” Sheridan took a moment to think and then said “four.” “Okay, Eve said, I’m just going to run through a couple more questions: “When was your last period?” “About a month and a half ago.” “Have you ever been late before?” “No, not really, I have been regular for at least ten years now, it always comes on the fourth.” “Did you notice any irregularities during your last few periods?” “No.” “And how long have you been nauseous?” “I’ve had a low grade nausea for three days, but it increased greatly this morning.” “Okay Sheridan, that’s enough question for now. Will you please lie down?” Luis let go of Sheridan’s hand and moved to the head of the exam table to observe. Eve moved Sheridan’s gown down to expose her breasts. She examined them gently and asked Sheridan if it hurt when she touched them. Sheridan said that they were indeed a little tender. Eve covered Sheridan up with the gown, then asked Sheridan to put her feet in the stirrups. She did as told and reached out for Luis’ hand. He moved to her right side and held on to her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. “Okay Sheridan this is going to be a little cold.” Eve inserted her instrument and Sheridan flinched. Her hold on Luis’ hand became stronger. He bent down and pushed back some of Sheridan’s hair from her eyes. “Are you okay?” He asked with a great deal of concern. She looked into his eyes and shook her head yes. “Okay Sheridan, you did great, I’m just going to feel your ovaries now, it’s going to be a little uncomfortable, but it’ll be over in no time.” “Okay Eve” Eve continued to examine Sheridan further. Sheridan started to bite on her lower lip. “That’s interesting” Eve said. Luis and Sheridan looked at each other. Luis was staring to get worried. “What’s interesting Eve, is something wrong with Sheridan?” “No, nothings wrong, but I want to do some tests just to confirm my suspicions.” Eve took some blood and went to run the tests. Before she left she told Sheridan she could go put her clothes on and she would be back very soon.
Sheridan stepped out of the bathroom and headed straight into Luis’ arms. “Oh Luis, do you think something’s wrong, (she took a step back and looked into Luis’ eyes) I mean ‘confirm my suspicions’ that doesn’t sound good does it, and ‘interesting’ it didn’t sound like an ooh kind of interesting, it sounded like and oh that can’t be good kind of interesting. What do you think Luis?” Luis tried to open his mouth to speak when Sheridan cut him of. “I mean maybe she saw an abnormality or something, maybe we can never have kids, and I know how much you want a family of your own.” She was still staring into Luis’ eyes, except her were now staring to cloud over with tears. “Luis, Luis, what wrong with you? Why aren’t you saying anything? Is it because you think something’s wrong too? Luis tried to speak again, out Sheridan just kept babbling. Luis then did the only thing he could do to quiet her and make her calm down. He grabbed her shoulders drew her into him, and kissed her with all his might. After the kiss was over the only thing Sheridan could say was “wow.” “Now that I have your attention, listen to me.” He hugged her close to him and rested his chin on her head. “I don’t think anything’s wrong, you’re reading too much into this. And as far as you not being able to ever have kids, well I don’t even want to think about that now.” “Oh Luis, you’re right. I am being too worried, and thank you for setting me straight.” “Well, that’s what I’m here for, to keep you sane.” “Ha, Ha very funny, now come her and kiss me.” The kiss started out slow and sweet and then Luis deepened it. Their hands were roaming up and down each other’s bodies when they heard someone clear their throat. They looked up bashfully and Sheridan said, “sorry, do you have the results.” “Yes I do, Sheridan could you please sit down.” All Sheridan could here in her head was Oh My God, this sounds serious something is definitely wrong. She sat on the table and Luis was by her side in seconds squeezing her hand tightly to comfort her, as well as to comfort himself. “So Eve, what did you find out?” Sheridan asked shakily. Eve sat down in her chair and said, “my suspicions were confirmed, and I am a little surprised…
Luis and Sheridan arrived home and Sheridan made a beeline for the bathroom. The car ride had made her dizzy, and that had made her nauseas. She didn’t mind having to go through this though, if it meant in 8 months they would be holding a precious baby. Luis sat on the couch and anxiously waited for her to come out. Sheridan came out and sat next to Luis. They didn’t know what to say to each other. They felt so many emotions all at once, that speaking was nearly impossible. Luis just put his arms around Sheridan and they sat on the couch holding each other, thanking each other for their precious gift. After two hours of just being together, Sheridan spoke up. “Luis, I think we should go out an celebrate, you know to a restaurant, invite your family and friends and tell them.” He cupped Sheridan’s face and said “If that’s what you want baby, then that’s what we’ll do.” He kissed her lightly. “Luis, where should we go, I guess we could call the Lobster Shack and see if we can get a reservation for all of us, (she straddled Luis’ legs) although, (she kissed his lips) it would be really nice (she kissed his nose) if we could go somewhere more fancy (she kissed his eyes).” “Well gorgeous where did you have in mind?” He said as he placed his hands on her hips. “I don’t know (she trailed kisses down his neck, and she could tell by Luis’ staggered breathing that he was becoming greatly affected, and that she would get her way) somewhere fancy in town, humm, (she nibbled his ear and whispered the last sentence in his ear) maybe the Sea Scape (she know placed a very succulent kiss on his lips).” After a few minutes they broke the kiss, both trying to catch their breath. “Sheridan, you know I can’t afford the Sea Scape, especially with so many people.” “I know Luis, but I can, and I really want this night to be special… perfect.” “Sheridan you know I hate it when you use your money, I should be the one providing for our family, and I don’t think everyone can make it there at such short notice.” Sheridan had an idea… she started to cry. “Luis, I can’t believe you’re not going to do this for me, you’re making me every unhappy. (She turned on the waterworks even more, and tears were now pouring down her face, half of it was acting, but once she got into it her emotions took over for her) Besides, we’re going to be having a new addition, and if you’re so intent of paying for everything, you need to save your money. You know the baby can feel everything I can and I’m sure this isn’t good for him or her. (She had a very pouty look on her face) Don’t you want to make me happy Luis, don’t you love me?” Luis felt like the biggest heel alive. He couldn’t believe that he could hurt her so bad, and in her condition, he almost hit himself, ‘how could I be so insensitive?’ Luis started to rub Sheridan’s back. “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry and of course I love you. I love you more than anything in the entire world, and you know I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy. I’m sorry I was being such an insensitive jerk (he wiped her tears away and gave her a huge hug). I don’t ever want to make you cry again Sheridan, I feel so bad. I’ll call the Sea Scape right now and make a reservation.” Sheridan pulled back a little and kissed him and said, “thank you Luis, and I’m sorry I became so emotional, hey, that was my first mood swing. Fun huh?” “Oh yeah Sheridan that was really fun, I can’t wait for it to happen again. (He said a little sarcastically) Okay you, let me up so I can make my call.” “Thank you again Luis, and I love you, daddy.” “Oh I love the sound of that and I love you too mommy.”
Everything was set. They booked the restaurant, called and invited everyone they possibly could: Pilar, Miguel, Theresa, The Bennet family, The Russells, Chad, Beth, Ethan, Gwen, Ivy, and even Jullian, even though they doubted he would come. They stepped into the restaurant hand in hand ready to tell their friends and family the good news. Sheridan was wearing a red floor length skirt, with slits on both sides that ran very high up her thighs, very revealing when she walked. She wore a red strapless top that had whalebones down the front. Although she wasn’t showing just yet, she could feel that the top was starting to get a little tight. She had red strappy high heals to match, with he perfect make-up and jewelry. Luis was just wearing a dark suit. (Guys clothes can be so boring). The made a stunning entrance, and by the looks on their faces, everyone could tell that they were hiding something. Everyone looked great, and they were even surprised to see Jullian there. They said their hellos and sat down. The waiters took everyone’s order and brought the drinks. Just when Luis was about to tap his glass and make his announcement, Sam came up to them and asked Sheridan if he could talk to her alone. Luis and Sheridan exchanged confused looks, and Sheridan walked over with Sam to a private corner of the room. “Okay Sam, we’re alone, what is it that you wanted to tell me.” “Well, I have great news… Luis made detective, and I thought that he would absolutely love to hear it from you.” Sheridan hugged Sam, and said “Oh My God that’s wonderful. Luis is going to be so surprised and happy. This just seems to be his day, and thank you for letting me tell him.” “No Problem, now let’s get back so I can hear your big secret.” They walked back to the table and Luis whispered in Sheridan’s ear “ready?” She nodded yes and Luis clinked his fork on his cup and stood up. Everyone looked up, very anxious as to what the secret was. Everybody had an inkling, but they weren’t sure until Luis said “I’m sure you’ll all wondering why we asked you hear tonight, but Sheridan and I have some great news that we just couldn’t wait to tell everyone about.” Miguel looked up at Luis and said “Okay, don’t keep us in suspense, tell us what it is.” “Well, Luis said, you’re gonna be an uncle, Sheridan’s pregnant. We’re gonna have a baby.” Sheridan stood up next to Luis and they kissed. Luis then wrapped his arm around Sheridan and started to rub her stomach where is perfect baby was. There was a loud eruption from the crowd. Everyone congratulated them. Luis patted Sam on the back, and Pilar ran up to the happy couple and hugged them, tears trickling down her cheeks. “I can’t believe you two are going to make me an abuela. Felicitaciones mijo, Sheridan. She put a hand on Sheridan’s stomach. Hola baby. How far along are you?” “Five weeks.” Theresa and Miguel broke up the happy trio with hugs all around. Theresa kissed Luis “I can’t believe I’m gonna be an aunt. This is too great. Oh Sheridan can I help you plan the baby shower, you know how good I am planning parties.” Sheridan laughed a little and said “Theresa, we have a long time before that, but don’t worry, I promise I’ll let you plan the baby shower, but before you all get too carried away with this baby business I have another announcement so… (Sheridan told everyone to take their seats again) I have some more great news.” “Sheridan what are you talking about?” Luis asked. Sheridan and Sam shared a knowing wink. “Well, with the big pay raise that my husband is about to receive, I’m afraid that he’s going to have to spoil me and the baby a whole lot more.” “What are you talking about Sheridan, what pay raise?” “Congratulations Luis, or should I say Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Luis bolted out of his seat “Oh My… How… Who…are you serious?” Sheridan had a huge smile permanently imbedded in her cheeks, first the baby now this. “Yes Luis, Sam just told me, you got the promotion, I’m so proud of you baby.” “Sheridan this is too wonderful, this is the best day of my life, a baby, a promotion, now all three of my dreams have come true.” Sheridan gave him an inquisitive look “Three, what’s the third.” “Well, Luis stated, number three was the promotion, number two was a child, and number one was marrying the beautiful, compassionate, love of my life.” “Oh Luis,” Sheridan started to cry again and Luis picked her up and swung her around. “Oh no you don’t, no tears. Can you believe this Sheridan I am so happy?" He kissed her as he swung her around and the group cheered and clapped even louder this time. Sheridan pulled out of the kiss and said “I love you Luis, but put me down, because I’m gonna be sick.” Sheridan ran towards the bathroom, and the woman in the group laughed, remembering how wonderful morning sickness was.
After Sheridan’s announcement Jullian ran off to the bathroom area where he could call his father in private. “Hello, father, it’s Jullian I have terrible news for you.” “How did you mess up this time Jullian?" “First of all father, I did not mess up this is something we didn’t have control over. (Just then Sheridan walked out of the bathroom) Sheridan is pregnant.” “SHE’S WHAT. Jullian I swear you’re gonna pay for this.” (allistair is ringing his hands together) “I’m gonna pay for this? Father, it’s not my fault that the imposter that we hired to impersonate Luis and tell Sheridan he was using her to keep them apart didn’t work. And it’s not my fault that Luis didn’t find out that Sheridan killed his father. Eve was at fault by lying to Sheridan about her memories.” “Okay Jullian, I have a plan that will destroy this relationship once and for all, no matter who it hurts.” “What do you mean you have a plan to destroy Luis and Sheridan’s marriage no matter who it hurts, what do you have up your sleeve.” “Shut-up Jullian. Do you want someone to hear you?” “Sorry father, just make sure no one can trace it back to us. If Sheridan knew she’d be devastated, and the extremely large husband of hers will have our heads.” “Don’t you think I know that, but don’t worry Jullian no one will be able to trace it to me, and I’m not afraid of that boy. Goodbye Jullian.” “Goodbye father.” Jullian put on a fake smile and returned to the dinner, clueless that Sheridan had heard the whole thing. Sheridan felt sick, it was ten times more intense than the morning sickness. She felt her legs buckle, she couldn’t move. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. She heard Luis calling her name, and the last thing she remembered was feeling herself plummet to the ground.
Back at the table: “I wonder if Sheridan’s okay, she’s been in there for a while.” Luis said to his sister. “I’m gonna go make sure she’s okay, Theresa, will you come with me in, I can’t go prancing around the ladies room.” “Sure,” Theresa replied. Right before they reached the bathroom area, Luis saw Sheridan fall and hit her head on the wall. He ran over to her as fast as her could. “Sheridan, Sheridan baby please wake up. Theresa, go get Eve.” Luis stayed there and cradled Sheridan in his arms rocking her back and forth, “come on Sheridan wake up sweetheart. Sheridan please…
The party slowly came to an end, and everyone left for their cars. Sam and the Bennett’s congratulated Luis on both accounts. Sam said, “Luis, you have the next two days off to rest before you delve into being a detective. I’m so happy for you to, and I’m so proud of you Luis. I remember what it was like to be young and just beginning to start my family. There’s no better feeling. You two are going to have such a wonderful life.” Sheridan felt a little icy when Hank walked by and said with a nasty sneer “yeah, I wonderful life.” She knew Hank wasn’t going to be thrilled, but he had kept silent the whole night, and she knew he was pissed. Pilar, Miguel, and Theresa said goodbye to Sheridan and the baby. So many people touched her stomach she thought she should start charging people. Anyway, when everyone was gone Luis and Sheridan walked outside to where the valet went to get their car. Luis wrapped his arms around Sheridan, and whispered in her ear “are you ready to go home and get some rest.” “Luis, (Sheridan whined) I’m gonna be so bored having to be cooped up in bed all the time.” “Well, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, I’m sure your husband can think of a way to keep you busy, while you’re being ‘cooped up in bed’ as you put it. There’s nothing more I want to do than give my pregnant wife plenty of TLC.” Sheridan kissed Luis. “Well, I’m sure your pregnant wife will be happy to receive such good care, but I hear he’s a very handsome detective and I’m sure he won’t have any time for her now that he has been promoted.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance and said “No way, he’ll always have time for her, and their baby.” “Really Luis, because I was talking to Ivy and Ethan, and they asked me if I wanted my room prepared at the mansion so I could come and stay when you’d be too busy to come home. That’s one thing I hadn’t thought of.” He placed several kisses in her hair, and then lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eyes and said “don’t you ever forget that I love you with all of my heart and soul. Nothing, not even my job is going to keep me from being with you, especially now that you need me so much more.” “Is the only reason you want to spend so much time with me because I’m pregnant? You don’t want anything to happen to the baby. If I had asked you to spend more time with me and I wasn’t pregnant, what would you say?” “Are you serious Sheridan? I love you, so much, why do you think I got so concerned about your safety when the hit men were after you. I constantly worry about you, and I love spending every second of my life with you, and I did even before the baby. And I don’t know why, but I just can’t stop saying I love you tonight.” “I’m sorry Luis, I know that you love me, and I can’t hear those words enough, so keep ‘um coming. And I love you too. I don’t know why I was worried. Oh Luis, I forgot my purse, I’ll be right back.” “No, you wait for the car, I’ll get it for you.” He kissed her and said I love you again and went to get her purse.
Back at the mansion: “Everything is set Julian, I’m putting my plan in to action as we speak.” “What are going to do farther?” “Let’s just say that a certain member of the Lopez-Fitzgerald family is in for a great deal of hurt tonight.” “Why father, that sounds simply devious.” “Yes Julian, it is.” They both laughed an evil laugh.
Luis walked back out of the restaurant with Sheridan’s purse in hand. He saw the car there, and the valet handed him the keys. “He opened the passenger door and didn’t see Sheridan inside. He threw her purse in thinking that she got sick again and had to use the bathroom. After five minutes of waiting Luis became really nervous. He went back into the restaurant and searched all the bathrooms. He was now very upset. He started asking waiters if they had seen her, he asked the valet. No sign of her anywhere. Luis had tears running down his cheeks and he said to himself “where are you Sheridan?” He told the manager about his situation and the manager almost fell, he knew the Cranes well, and if anything happened to one of them here, business would be non-existent, so he told Luis he would do everything he could, including question all the workers. Luis called Sam, told him his situation, and then sped to the police station. He was walked very fast, almost running to Sam’s desk. “Oh My God Sam, she’s gone. I never should have left her alone. I have no idea where she is, if she was kidnapped, or worse. And if she was kidnapped why? Why would somebody want to hurt her?” Luis spit out in one breath. “Luis, slow down. You can’t help her if you’re hysterical. Would Sheridan have any reason to leave? Did she say anything to you, think Luis?” “No, she didn’t say anything about leaving. As a matter of fact we were both looking forward to going home. Sheridan still had a headache from her fall. She was very tired; she wouldn’t just walk away like that. She wouldn’t worry me like that.” “Okay Luis, did you check the spot where you left her? Was there any evidence there, and sign of a struggle?” “No, there was nothing, absolutely nothing. It’s like she vanished without a trace. What am I going to do Sam? How are we going to find her? I can’t go on if I loose her Sam. My God, her and the baby.” Sam then left the room to assign some officers to the case, and make then search the supposed crime scene. Luis was strong until he thought about Sheridan being pregnant. She was a very strong woman, but this put her at a disadvantage, and if anything happened to the baby he would never forgive himself. Luis sat down in a chair and started to cry. Sam came back in, went over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s going to be okay Luis, we’ll find her. Do you want me to call anyone? “ Luis barely got the words out he was crying so hard now. “Yeah, could you call mama, and tell her about what’s going on, and ask Miguel to come over here. I want someone else to be here and update the family on her situation. I don’t think I could deal with them right now.” “Sure Luis, no problem.” “Oh, could you also call Ethan and tell him what’s going on.” “Absolutely, just calm down. I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Miguel arrived and ran over to Luis and gave him a hug. “Are you okay Luis? What happened?” Luis told him everything. Miguel was surprised that Luis wasn’t in complete cop mode. He must have been really distraught to not be the one leading the investigation, and yelling commands at the other officers. Miguel sat there for two hours trying to get Luis out of his funk. The small talk however was not working, so he tried to get Luis out their with the other officers who were searching for his love. Just then, the phone rang in Sam’s office, and Sam picked it up. “Luis, they want to talk to you. Give me one second to turn on the recorder and phone tracer. Okay, go.” “Lopez-Fitzgerald here.”
Sheridan waited for the car while Luis went to get her purse. All of sudden a hand came out of nowhere and grabbed her. It covered her mouth, while the other one grabbed her waist. The assailant pushed her into a van and shoved a gag in her mouth, covered her eyes with a bandana, and then tied her hands and feet. Her blindfold became soaked with tears, and all she could think about was Luis. ‘Oh my god, Luis is going to be so worried. He’s going to go crazy trying to find me. Calm down Sheridan, you have to remain calm for the baby. I hope they don’t hurt the baby. Why is this happening’ She was pulled out of her thoughts and pulled out of the van simultaneously. The person still hadn’t said a word, only pulled and tugged her hard. They had traveled down a set of hard cement stairs, Sheridan knew because her assailant had dragged her down then, and being blindfolded and wearing heels, she had tripped down them the whole way. They then brought her into a room and handcuffed her to some sort of handrail on the wall. It was shaped like an ], jutting out of the wall, like a handle of a train car. It was low enough so she could sit on the floor. The floor was very cold and it felt a little damp. The assailant came over and took the gag out of her mouth and untied her feet. They then put a ski mask over their face, and took off her blindfold. As soon as her finished she starting asking “why are you doing this to me? Who are you? What have I done? What are you going to do to me?” She was shaking violently and crying hysterically. In her mind ‘you just have to find me Luis. Please, I know you won’t let anything happen to me.’ Inadvertently she said “pleas Luis” out loud. They assailant went over to her and kissed his pointer finger and put it on her mouth. She squirmed under his touch, and the attacker just shook their head. They picked up a voice changer and said, “I’m not doing this to hurt you.” Sheridan thought now was the time to tell the assailant about the baby. “Please don’t hurt me.” She cried out, “I’m pregnant.” The assailant then said “I know, but not for long.” They then picked up a syringe and flicked it and pushed it to get all the air out of it. Sheridan screamed and pulled as hard as she could on the handcuffs. “Please don’t. Oh God, LUUIIIISSS.”
(Warning, there are specific names, and some details about legalized abortion drugs in this chapter, but there are no personal views on the subject)
A half an hour later Sheridan was starting to feel the effects of the drugs. There was a pain developing in her lower abdomen, and she still tried to believe that it was all a dream, that Luis would come and save her life as he promised! The assailant then picked up the phone and called the Harmony Police Department. The assailant heard “Chief Bennett.” “Let me talk to DETECTIVE Lopez Fitzgerald, NOW!” Sam immediately recognized the voice was altered, and laced with anger. He knew that it was about Sheridan, and got Luis’ attention and covered the phone with his hand. “Luis, they want to talk to you. Give me one second to turn on the recorder and phone tracer. (Sam shook and his head and said) Okay, go.” “Lopez-Fitzgerald here.” (I don’t want to keep mentioning it, but just know that whenever the kidnapper talked, they used a voice changer) “Hello detective. I would say congratulations on your promotion, and your new bundle of joy, but it looks like… well, let’s just say your wife could use your help about now. Not that anything you do can really make a difference now.” Luis was beyond furious, if they hurt Sheridan or the baby he would tear the person limb from limb with his bare hands. “I swear, if you’ve touched her I’m gonna…” “Enough with this stalling, I know how fast the phone tracer works. If you want to see her alive again, show up at pier 13 on the wharf in five minutes, no longer.” Then all Luis heard was silence. He slammed the phone down and turned to Sam. “Anything?” “No, whoever it was had it timed out pretty well, you’d better leave now, I’ll get Johnson and his partner to hide out in one of the abandoned buildings down there to make sure you’re safe.” “Thanks, Sam, but all I can focus on now is getting her back safely. Miguel, call momma and Ethan and tell them what’s going on.” Miguel hugged his brother and said “Sure thing Luis, be careful, our prayers are with you man.” With that Luis ran out of the station and headed for the wharf.
Luis arrived at pier 13, but no one was around. He saw a note tied to the railing. It read: Dear detective, you’ve had a run of good luck these past few years, stealing Sheridan’s heart. Getting married and all the assets that come with it, including your ten-story house, getting promoted, and now a baby. Well, I have news for you; you’re about to be knocked off of your pedestal. Go to this address, and go alone. Remember, I’m always watching.” Then Luis heard a voice come from under the pier. “Don’t make any sudden movements. I know you have other officers stashed somewhere around here. Walk over to the ledge, and non-chalantly drop your radio and cell phone in the water.” Luis did as he was told. “Lift up your shirt, I don’t want to see any recording devices or tracers.” Again, Luis did what the maniac told him to. “Okay, you’re clean.” Luis decided to try and get a little extra info about this person. “You’re really smart, you kidnapped her without my noticing, your phone number wasn’t traced at the station, you’ve searched me for devices, and you’ve typed the letter to keep the handwriting from being analyzed.” “Shut up, she doesn’t have time for this. You know where the old train yard is.” “Yeah” Luis replied coldly. “Well, she’s in the bottom cellar of the last underground train tracks. I’ll let you figure it out on which side she is, left or right. After all, you are a detective now, so act like one.” That was the last thing Luis heard before he went bolting for the railroad station.
Sheridan had figured it was about fifteen minutes since the attacker had left her. They said that they were going to call Luis; she wished he would get there soon, but even if he had arrived within the next second it would be too late. She felt the something on her body. It was hard to see because of her skirt, so she tried her best to push it out of way so she could see what was happening. It hurt a lot to move, but she had to know what was going on. She finally moved the skirt out of the way, and saw blood making it’s way down her leg. She tried to scream, but nothing would come out. She knew her baby was dieing, but there was nothing she could do now. Thoughts were racing through her mind. It was getting very cold down there, and she could lose a lot of blood before anyone found her, if they found her at all, and what if they attacker came back. She suddenly found her voice and let out a scream that was so filled with emotion, anger, fright, hatred, and pain. She had to let all the emotions out, before she went crazy. The pain was beginning to increase, and so was the blood flow. She tried everything she could to try and pull her legs into her, to help ease the pain, but her hands were just too far above her head, and she couldn’t get into the position she so desperately wanted, to help ease the pain somewhat. She thought she was going to die.
Luis got there as fast as he could. He started looking in all directions to find the damn place. He looked at the two separate buildings, and the gravel around the one to the left looked like it had been disturbed. Actually, it looked like someone’s feet were dragging as they walked through it. He knew Sheridan had to be it that building. He walked in with his gun drawn, and stayed close to the walls, careful of any traps, or the attacker. He finally found the stairs that led to the basement. Just as he had opened the door, he heard the most terrible, gut-wrenching scream he’d ever heard. He knew it was Sheridan, and the raw emotions in the scream made Luis want to vomit on the spot. She was hurting, and he raced down the stairs in a matter of milliseconds. He got control of his head, and reminded himself to enter slowly, just in case this was a set up. He looked through the open door, and saw no one. He heard noises, and cries coming from one of the corners of the room, as he looked over, his heart shattered into a million pieces, and his whole entire chest caved in as if all the life was sucked out of him. He couldn’t believe the site in front of him. Sheridan, his love, was handcuffed to a wall, bleeding, and crying. There was nothing that could ever prepare him for that kind of site. He cautiously walked over to Sheridan and then said her name. “Sheridan.” He tried his best to keep his voice from cracking, but it didn’t work. He mentally ordered himself to keep his feelings in check, so he could be strong for Sheridan. She needed him to be there for him. He thought since he had already let her down once, by not finding her in time, he just had to be brave for her now.
“Sheridan, it’s me sweetheart. I’m here now, and everything is going to be all right.” Sheridan looked up. Her tear stained face and hollow blue eyes affected him more then he had anticipated, and he struggled to swallow the lump in his throat. “Oh, Luis.” She tried to put her arms around his neck, she needed to be securely in his arms, but the handcuffs prevented it. She spoke again “Luis, it hurts so much.” She was crying and writhing around on the ground to find a comfortable position. The pain in her uterus was almost unbearable, and the blood was gushing out now. He skirt was soaked, and her legs were covered. Luis just stared at her, knowing he couldn’t say what he was thinking, but he just couldn’t stop himself. “My God Sheridan, this is all my fault, if I had gotten here sooner none of this would have happened.” He immediately regretted his words when he saw Sheridan start to cry even harder, if that was possible. He tried to rectify the situation. He sat down next to her and put his arm around her shoulder, and she immediately buried her head in his chest. “Don’t worry Sheridan, everything will be fine, I’m here now, but I have to go call an ambulance because no one knows where I am, and I don’t have my radio or my cell phone.” Sheridan tensed up, which caused the pain to worsen. She yelped in response, and Luis reached over and caressed her cheek, hoping it would bring her some kind of mental relief, because the physical pain wasn’t going to go away. “Luis, (she choked out) you can’t leave me. (Her voice grew in volume almost to the point of screaming) You can’t leave me know. Please Luis, I need you. I’m scared; don’t leave me alone down here. What if the kidnapper comes back?” “Sheridan I have to get you some help, if I don’t you may bleed to…” The word died on his lips. She turned to face him. “You can’t leave me alone, you just can’t” She was so agitated, and Luis knew that him leaving was partly the cause. He rubbed a soothing hand on her cheek and back, and said “Okay, I won’t leave you for now, but we can’t wait too much longer Sheridan, you need to go to the hospital.” When she looked at his with those big blue eyes full of fear, and pain he knew he wouldn’t be leaving her side, but how could he get help? “Thank you Luis.” She started moving her body again, as a wave of horrendous pain shot through her. There was now a pool of blood surrounding her. She didn’t want Luis to leave, even if it meant not getting help, she needed him with her at all times. She wasn’t thinking straight. “It hurts so much Luis, Oh My God, I can’t believe we’re loosing the baby,” she cried out.” She kept mumbling, “Luis it hurts, it hurts, it hurts so much.” Luis couldn’t take seeing her like this; he thought he was going to die. His best friend, his wife, his lover, was hurting beyond description, and he was helpless. He also blamed himself for letting her get taken in the first place. He tried to wad her skirt up to stop some of the bleeding, but her knew it wasn’t going to help “Luis my body is so stretched out. Can’t you get these cuffs off? I need to bend my waist. It hurts too much. Luis help.” He didn’t see anything that would help and he knew it. He could try and shoot them off, but it was too much of a risk, so he did the only thing he could think of to help ease some of Sheridan’s pain. He sat on the floor, and picked her up very gently, even though it still killed her and put her on his lap. She was able to curl up into a ball, minus the dangling arms, which actually did bring a little relief. A little, but not much. Sheridan said, “Thank you Luis, this feels a little better.” Luis was rubbing her cheek with the outside of his hand, and said, “I love you, and I’m sorry I didn’t get here in time, but always remember that I love you. No matter what. Sheridan do you understand me? My love for you is stronger than anything in this world.” “Yes, Luis I understand, and I love you too.” She could barely talk, with the loss of blood, and the physical and mental pain. “I love you too.” She said again, just in case this was her last chance to tell him. Luis only hoped Sheridan would pass out from the pain so he could go get her help. He could never have imagined that he would be holding his wife in his lap, shaking violently, bleeding, and in the worst pain of her life losing their baby. This was a real life nightmare. He cursed himself for letting this happen to her, to their baby. He always told her that he would protect her, but this time he hadn’t. His thoughts continued like this for 15 minutes. As if things couldn’t get worse, he heard someone coming down the stairs, and saw a figure standing in the doorway
When they arrived at the hospital they wheeled Sheridan into the emergency room and tons of nurses and a few doctors rushed to her bed and started working on her. However, Eve was the doctor that called the shots. Luis just watched them work on her through the glass windows. A nurse came up to him and asked him everything he knew, even though it wasn’t much, knowing that she was injected with something helped a great deal. Another nurse came up to him to get all the financial info and other forms that had to be filled out. Eve came out and explained to Luis that they would have to move her to an operating room, in the maternity ward where they had more equipment to work with her kind of situation. Luis looked Eve straight in the eyes and asked “Eve, is there any way that the baby could survive?” Eve knew not to give him false hope. She took his hands in hers and said, “honestly Luis, I don’t think so, but miracles happen everyday. I suggest that you call Julian or Alistair and tell them. Although we have great doctors here, maybe they can get an expert flown in, but with the time factor, it might not even matter. As soon as we get her up there, I’ll send someone out to fill you in on everything. Okay? No matter what happens Luis, Sheridan should be just fine.” Luis hung his head and said “Thank you Eve.” He then watched as they wheeled Sheridan to the elevator. He then slunk down into a chair buried his head in his hands and cried. Sheridan’s’ face and her words ‘you promised me Luis, you promised you would never let anything bad happen to me’ reverberated in his mind. There were no words to depict his feelings at that moment. Nothing that could describe how awful he felt that he let her and their baby down.
Hank ran into his car, took off his ski mask, and picked up his phone to call Alistair. Hank dialed the number impatiently, and when he heard the busy signal he almost blew a gasket. He threw the phone into the passenger side, and put his head down on the steering wheel. He would try again later.
Julian walked over to a secluded corner, pulled out his cell phone, and hit the memory button holding his fathers’ number. Alistair picked up the phone. “What do you want Julian?” “I want to know how you could do something like this to Sheridan?” “Excuse me. Who are you to question what I do?” “I know who I am, but I have taken your crap for too long. Kidnapping Sheridan and forcing drugs on her to abort her baby. That is sick father, and I will not play a part in it. I will not divulge that you did it, but I will also stand by while Sheridan dies. I have flown in a specialist to save her, and possibly the baby, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” With that Julian hung up. Alistair could not believe Julian would talk to him like that. He was furious that he had, and hung up on him, but he was also a little proud of him for getting some ‘stones’. Alistair picked up his phone and dialed Hank’s cell phone number. He was furious. “Hello” “Mr. Bennett, this is Alistair Crane. I thought I told you to shoot Luis when he walked into his house tonight.” “I tried calling you to tell you that Luis and Sheridan never made it home” Hank answered nervously. “What are you talking about? (Alistair boomed) I wanted you to kill Luis, not kidnap my daughter and give her drugs to induce a miscarriage.” “Mr. Crane, I have no idea what you are talking about. I waited here for hours for them to get home. Hell, I’m still here.” “Well, if you didn’t hurt Sheridan than who did.” “I don’t know, but I’m sure you’re going to find out.” “Your right Mr. Bennett, I am. But right now I want you to get over to the hospital right now and tell Julian that I hired you to shoot Luis. That ought to put him in his place.” “Yes sir.” They both hung up the phone, and Hank drove back to his house to change into some non-black clothing, and go over to the hospital and fulfill his job as Alistair’s lackey.
Luis was having flashbacks of his life with Sheridan. He had been so blessed that she came into his life, and if anything happened to her, he wouldn’t know what to do. She fulfilled him, she was a part of him, and if that part was gone, he was devoid of life. He asked God to watch over her and the baby, and protect them, especially because he himself had done such a bad job of it tonight. Then, he heard it again… ‘you promised me Luis, you promised you would never let anything bad happen to me, ever. You promised me.’ That was the worst sound he had ever heard, and it was like a broken record, repeating within the walls of his brain. It was like a virus, and just wouldn’t go away. He mentally beat him self up for being such a horrible person, and breaking a promise to Sheridan. He thought that she would never forgive him again, and she shouldn’t. He had had enough. He couldn’t take the hurt in his head anymore. After three and a half hours of silence, Luis spoke up. “What’s taking them so long? I can’t stand it. Mamma, why haven’t they told us anything. I can’t live without her… I won’t.” “Luis, you musn’t talk like that” Pilar scolded him. Just as she was about to tell him not to give up hope Eve and TC came out. Charity and Miguel moved, and Luis bolted from the seat. “Eve, how is she, can I see her? What’s going on?” Eve was very calm, which made Luis and everyone more nervous. “Dr. White would like to explain it to you himself. He’ll be out in a few minutes. He just wants to clean up first.” “Please Eve, just tell me, did she make it?” “Luis, please just wait for Dr. White he has asked that I not tell you anything. He was the one working on her for the past four hours, he can explain it better than I can.” Luis ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He couldn’t wait a few minutes he wanted to know what condition his wife was in. Ethan came up behind Luis, and put a hand on his shoulder. “Look Luis, I now you’re anxious to find out, we all are, but you would feel a lot better if you calmed down.” “He’s right, Ivy chimed in, I’ve known Sheridan all her life, and so I can safely say that she wouldn’t want you to worry.” It was now Theresa’s turn to talk “If you look all stressed out when you go in to see her, she’ll feel bad that she made you feel bad.” After everyone was done babbling, and keeping Luis’ mind off of waiting for the doctor, he had already appeared. Dr. White approached the group, and asked to speak to Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald in private. They went into a conference room, and Luis jumped in. “How is she doctor, tell me everything.” “Please, just sit down and I will tell you, but you must remain calm and let me finish before you ask any questions. Understood?” Luis shook his head yes, and took a seat. Doctor White was about to tell Luis something he would never forget for the rest of his life.
Luis returned with a goofy smile on his face, followed by a nurse pushing a cart. The nurse pushed the cart into the corner of the room. Sheridan hadn’t realized how truly big the room was. Of course, she thought, she was in a sense a Crane, and only the best for the Cranes. Dr. White stepped in the room afterwards. “Good Morning Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. How are you feeling?” “Please call me Sheridan, and to be honest my entire body is very sore.” “I know, it will be for a few days, but your husband has something to take care of that.” Sheridan glanced over at Luis, and he shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows in an, ‘I don’t know what he’s talking about’ fashion. “I’m going to need to examine you to see how your uterine lining is, and make sure it hasn’t thinned any more. This may be a little uncomfortable, but if everything is healing the way it should, I will be leaving the hospital for New York tonight, and you can go home tomorrow afternoon.” “That’s great.” Sheridan said. “Okay Sheridan, just lie flat down, and pull your legs up, and rest your feet on the table as close to your body as you can. I’m going to look at you without equipment, and then I’m going to need to insert a camera okay?” She said okay, and laid down and Luis came right over to hold her hand. “I know this is going to hurt, but pull your legs up now.” Sheridan did, and her face contorted “Ow, ow, ow” Luis brushed the hair off her forehead, and grasped her hand even tighter. He whispered in her ear “You’re doing fine sweetie. I know it hurts, but he has to check on the baby, our baby, our baby girl.” He continued to check her, and then told her he was going to insert the camera. He did it slowly, and it hurt a lot. She started to cry a little, and Luis kissed her fingers one by one, and wiped the tears off her cheeks. The entire time Luis was whispering soothing words, and comforting thoughts to her. Luis looked over at the monitor that was showing what the camera saw, and the doctor explained everything to them. The baby was fine, she was fine, and her body was healing faster than he expected. All the blood was clotted. “Sheridan, there is dried blood on the inside of your body, and I’m going to clean it off for you. It’s going to sting a little as the liquid dissolves it, and moves it from the walls of your body. Just bear with me. The liquid may feel a little odd, but don’t worry." It cleaned her up using a squirt bottle. As soon as she felt the cold liquid, she almost jumped from the table. Luis put his hands on both of her shoulders and held her down a little. Sheridan was trying hard not to concentrate on what was going on, and she said to Luis. “You know, next time, IF we decide to have another baby. You can carry it, and give birth because frankly I’ve already had a taste of it, and I don’t like it.” She flinched again. Luis laughed and kissed her on the nose. “Okay Sheridan WHEN we have another baby, I’ll give birth to it.” “That’s good Luis, but can I get that in writing. I don’t want you to forget this when the time comes.” He smiled and the doctor was finished. “You can put your legs down now.” Sheridan let out a huge sigh. And moaned as she put her legs down. Luis rubbed her stomach, and she put her hand on top of his. “Everything is healing wonderfully, which is great, because I have to go back home as soon as possible.” Luis shook the doctors hand “Thank you so much doctor. You don’t know what this means to us.” “Yes Dr. White (Sheridan chimed in) thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” “Your welcome. Call me when it’s time for you to have the baby. I would love to be there to deliver her.” “We will, have a nice flight. Goodbye” “Goodbye you two, and God bless” The nurse left the room to and Luis was ready to give Sheridan some TLC.
Luis poured the water and soap onto a sponge. He started with her arms. He poured some water on her wrists and hands, and then rubbed the sponge over them. As the hot water, and the massage that the sponge was giving her seeped into her wrists she moaned “Oh Luis, that feels really good.” He smiled at her, glad that he was making the remembrances of last night slowly fade away. “I’m glad sweetheart.” He washed the soap off of her arms and began washing her torso. He washed her sides, her waist, and stomach. As he reached her stomach, and lower abdomen he was even gentler than before. He rubbed the sponge over it in slow circles. He was concentrating on the baby inside of Sheridan, their baby girl. She looked up at him lovingly. ‘God that man is so gentle and loving’ Sheridan thought. He met her eyes and at that moment they looked into each other’s souls. It seemed like they were doing it all the time since they had found out about the baby. He rinsed the soap off and Sheridan shivered. He then moved up her body to her shoulders, neck, and breasts. Washing her breasts was turning him on considerably, but she had a weird look on her face, and she let out a gasp. “Did I hurt you, or are you enjoying this as much as I am?” Luis smiled. “Well Luis, any other time, I would really enjoy this, but it does kind of hurt, a bit. I’m sorry.” “Don’t be sorry, didn’t Eve say that was one of the tortures of being pregnant?” “Yeah, I guess she did.” “Okay, then let’s finish, and I’ll try my best not to hurt you anymore.” “Luis, you could never hurt me.” He had a huge smile now, and picked up the cup and wet her hair and washed it. He washed her legs and back, and dried her off. He wrapped a fresh towel around her, and carried her back to bed. Sheridan kissed Luis on the lips and said, “Thanks, Luis. That was wonderful, I feel much better.” “Don’t be thanking me just now, I’m not done yet.” He did his famous eyebrow wiggle, which made Sheridan giggle. She found it extremely cute, and couldn’t help but laugh almost every time he did it. He reached over to the cart he had stashed his stuff for the bath, and pulled out some muscle-relaxing rub. He put a little of the cream in his hands and warmed it up, and then he worked it into her wrists. “That feels so great Luis.” He rubbed some into her legs, and shoulders. She moaned oohs and ahhs the entire time. Then he reached her arms. He delved into her muscles delicately, but firmly at the same time. “Oh God Luis.” He knew that her arms were the most sore because they had been dangling over her body for hours, and had lost circulation. Luis finished, and Sheridan pulled him into an intense kiss that shocked the hell out of him. He had not expected such gratitude. They pulled back and Sheridan spoke softly “That feels amazing Luis. You have a healing touch. I feel so much better. I know you may think that I was in too much pain last night, but when you rubbed my cheeks and back I felt much more at ease. Thank you for everything. Everything you’ve done since we met, protecting me from the hit men, to comforting me last night when I was in so much pain, and now, just being here to love me. You’re one of the few people in my life that made me feel loved, and that means more to me than you’ll ever know.” She was crying now. She had no idea why she had just said all this to Luis now. She still wanted to talk to him about the kidnapping in depth, and so did he, but she felt the need to express these feelings to Luis now. It was so freeing and helped her heal mentally. Luis kissed away the tears on her face and helped Sheridan into a hospital gown. “When I comfort you, and make you feel loved and special, I feel like I’m serving my purpose in life. Making you happy makes me happy, fulfilled, and equally as loved. You and the baby were a God sent to me, and I fully intend to keep making the two of you and all the other additions to our family feel as loved and safe as I possibly can. I love you.” “I love you too Luis.” They kissed and Luis went and unlocked the door. “I hope you don’t mind Luis, but after that wonderful massage, and what little sleep I got I think I need a nap.” “I don’t mind at all. I love watching you sleep. You look like an angel, my angel.” He hooked up the machine back to Sheridan’s abdomen and listened to the beeps that the baby’s heartbeat was making. He brushed her wet hair off her face and Sheridan fell asleep.
Luis awoke to hear the heart monitor letting out a loud beeping sound. He looked over at Sheridan and her eyes were still closed. “Sheridan, Sheridan, wake up. Are you feeling okay? Sheridan?” She didn’t open her eyes. The nurses came running in and looked at the monitor. “The babies heart is slowing down. It’s almost stopped.” A nurse called out. Another one got onto the speaker “Code Blue, Code Blue. In room 337.” All the doctors heard this and thought… that’s Sheridan Cranes room. They ran in to help. One of the male nurses struggled to pull Luis out of the room. “Sir, sir, please you have to leave and let them work.” “No, I have to be with her. She would want me with her. Please you have to save Sheridan and the baby.” Luis screamed. “The doctors are doing everything they can.” Luis heard one of the doctors yell out…”She’s not responding, we have to get the baby out, it’s the only way she’ll survive.” Luis struggled more, and it took the male nurse, and the two guards Julian had posted by Sheridan’s door to stop him from running in. Luis screamed from his heart “SHERIDAN NOOOO. They can’t take the baby. OH GOD WHY.”
He heard a voice coming from behind him “Luis, Luis.” He continued to struggle to be by Sheridan’s side. He heard the voice again “Luis, wake up. Wake up Luis.” He woke up from his horrific dream to see Sam and his mother standing next to him. Pliar repeated “wake up Luis.” He shot up and into his mother’s arms. “I had a terrible dream that Sheridan and the baby were dying. Oh momma, it was terrible.” He quickly turned around to see Sheridan sound asleep. He shook her gently to wake her up. She opened her eyes slowly. “Luis what’s the matter?” “Nothing Sheridan. I just had to hear your voice, and see you awake and hold you that’s all.” “Okay Luis.” Sheridan went back to sleep. Luis felt terrible from the dream, and then remembered Sam and his mother were standing there. Sam asked Luis “Are you two feeling up for some company… oh wait, excuse me. Are you THREE up to see some visitors?” That quickly brought a smile to Luis’ face and he rubbed Sheridan’s stomach and sighed. He knew gaggles of people would come by today, and he had to prepare himself to answer all their questions, and questions from the police. He knew questioning Sheridan was going to be tough, but he had to figure out who did this. And when he did, God help that person against Luis’ anger. Luis looked up and replied “I guess so Sam.”
A nurse came running into Sheridan’s room. She looked at Sheridan’s pupils, and both her and the baby’s heart rates. Sheridan’s was sky rocketing, which was causing the baby distress. The nurse immediately recognized Sheridan was having a migraine, so she injected Sheridan with some medicine that would calm her down and relieve some of the pain. A few minutes later, Sheridan calmed down and her and the baby were fine. Luis was staring at Sheridan while the nurse tended to her. Watching Sheridan in pain was horrible for Luis, it ripped his heart out. If he could take some of her pain away, he would have. He felt his heart race as well. As soon as Sheridan calmed down, the nurse explained everything to Luis. He couldn’t believe a migraine could cause so much trouble; it had to be more than that. He walked over to Sheridan and held her hand, and kissed her forehead. “How are you feeling sweetheart?” He knew he would have to put the questioning on hold for a while. Sheridan looked up at him morosely and said, “I remember something Luis.” He didn’t want to push her, but she wanted to tell him, so he let her finish. “What is that?” “At the restaurant, I came out of the bathroom, and saw Julian.” She rubbed her temples, everything was so blurry. “Julian was taking to someone, no wait… he was talking to my father, and they said that… no wait, that doesn’t make any sense.” “What Sheridan? Go on, finish.” Luis was intrigued. “I heard Julian say something about an imposter, and ruining our marriage.” She was sleepy from the medication the nurse gave her, and was starting to dose off. Luis shook her a bit to try and wake her up, but it was no use. Maybe she was mistaken Luis thought, but with those two anything was possibly. ‘Julian had helped save her life though, but if he had something to do with this, God help.’ Luis decided he would confront Julian, and scare the living crap out of him. Maybe then he would get some answers.
Hank had arrived at the hospital last night, and told Julian Alistair’s plan. Julian called his father knowing that he was going to tear his head off, but Alistair remained calm and said he was glad Julian finally showed some signs of a back bone, but do it again and he would be punished…severely. Surprisingly to Julian, Alistair also vowed to find whoever did this to his daughter, and slaughter them. ‘What was he up to,’ Julian thought. For once the Crane family showed love, and that was scary. That was a sign that something bad was about to unfold.
Luis walked over to them. “Hank buddy, how did you know what happened?” Hank was about to sweat it, when a reporter came up to Luis, “Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald can you give us any information on your wife’s condition?” She turned to Julian, “Mr. Crane, how does the family feel about all this? Has Alistair had any contact with his daughter?” She turned to Luis again, “Are you personally going to investigate this case? Are there any suspects?” Two Crane security guards came up and took her away. Hank patted Luis on the back, “Are you okay?” Luis ran a hand through his thick black hair, “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just whenever things happen to the Crane’s there’s always a media circus, and she’s not even a Crane anymore, she’s a Lopez-Fitzgerald.” Luis smiled at his last remark. “Yeah I know Luis, I saw it on the news this morning, that’s how I knew you were here, and I wouldn’t have gotten past the security if Julian hadn’t been walking in at the same time, and told the guards I was a friend of the family.” Luis looked at Hank incredulously, “He did that?” “Yeah he did, I guess this whole ordeal has got Julian a little off kilter.” Luis heaved a sigh, “Yeah I guess it has, he even flew in a specialist for Sheridan. Listen Hank, I’ve got some business to take care of, so can you please go to my house, and get Miguel and Theresa to stay at Sam’s house with the rest of the kids.” “Yeah no problem, and please give Sheridan my regards.” “I will Hank, Thank You. You are a great friend.” Hank smiled at Luis and walked away muttering under his breath about how he cursed Luis and his marriage.
Luis walked over to Julian. “Can I talk to you for a minute in private?” Julian nodded and they went into a private room. Luis looked Julian up and down and gave him a look that was meant to intimidate him, weither it did or not, Julian didn’t show it. Julian sat down, and Luis pulled out a chair and sat very close to Julian. Luis thought he would delve right into the questions and catch Julian off guard to get his initial reaction. “Sheridan told me she remembered everything. She was standing by the bathroom and heard your conversation with your father. She knows all about the imposter and the plan to ruin our marriage, and now, so do I.”
When Luis entered the room, he saw Ethan holding Sheridan’s hand, and Pilar rubbing her hand along her cheek. He realized that those two people were the only ones that loved Sheridan as much as he did. Theresa and Miguel loved her too, but the three people in that hospital room were the ones that truly loved her, unconditionally. Luis walked up to his mother. “Has she woken up yet?” Pilar smiled and looked up to Luis, “No. I’m sure she’s exhausted. She needs her rest. Why don’t Ethan and I leave you two alone?” Luis kissed his mother on the cheek, “Thanks mamma.” Ethan got up reluctantly. “Will you call us if anything changes?” Luis was a little shocked that Ethan thought he hated him so much, that he wouldn’t even keep him updated about his aunt. Luis walked over to Ethan and put a hand on his shoulder. “No matter what has gone down between us, I know you love Sheridan, and my sister, and I would never try and shut you out of Sheridan’s life.” Ethan said thank you, and then left the room.
~A Week Later~
Luis was getting Sheridan ready to go home. He finished signing all of the paper work, and got all of the instructions on how to take care of Sheridan. They were going to have a lot of machines and a nurse at the house for a while, and then if they thought they could handle everything, the nurse could leave. Sheridan didn’t want the nurse, and was convinced that she would show Luis that. She didn’t want to have to depend on anybody, and have another “bodyguard.” Luis was happy about having someone at the house with Sheridan when he wasn’t there. He was extremely worried something would happen, and he wouldn’t be there…like last time. It worried Luis a lot, but he didn’t say anything to Sheridan for fear that it would freak her out.
Luis helped Sheridan put on her jacket, and sat her down in the wheelchair. “I’m fine Luis, I really don’t need the wheelchair.” Sheridan stated with a smile. Luis looked down at her, “it’s hospital policy, and besides, you need to take it easy remember? You’re not supposed walk if you don’t have to. It’s complete bed rest for you.” Sheridan frowned. “Luis, I’ll go crazy if I have to stay in bed forever. I realize it’s for the safety of the baby, but I really feel like it will bother me, mentally to have to stay in bed ALL of the time.” Luis stepped in front of Sheridan as they waited for the elevator, and took her hands in his. “Listen, I know that this is going to be very hard for you, but if you and the baby are doing okay when we come back for your check up, then you can move around a little more.” He put one hand on her cheek, and she placed her hand on top of it, and kissed his thumb. “I know you’re right, and I want the baby to be okay. I don’t think I could handle it if anything else happened to the baby, but I just hope I don’t go crazy.” Luis laughed and stepped out of the elevator with her. “I’m sure you won’t go crazy Sheridan. And from now on, let’s not talk about anything bad happening to the baby or you for that matter. I want only positive thinking okay?” “Okay Luis.” Luis picked Sheridan up, and placed her in the car. Luis strapped her in and got into the drivers side, and drove home. He turned to Sheridan and noticed that she looked a little sleepy. She looked run downed all the time now. He was sure that she wouldn’t have any problem staying bed, she would probably be too tired to do anything else, at least he hoped so. He knew she wouldn’t do anything to put the baby in any danger, but she was never one to stay still. When he pulled into the driveway, Sheridan had her eyes closed and was almost asleep. Luis leaned over to her and said, “We’re home.” He got out of the car and opened her car door, and picked her up and brought her inside. His family was already there waiting to take care of her, and she appreciated it more than they would ever know, but she was so tired, she just needed to sleep. Luis brought her into a room on the first floor that he converted into a temporary bedroom for them, so she wouldn’t have to climb the stairs. Sheridan looked around wearily. “What did you do Luis?” He placed her in the bed, and she found a comfortable position. “I rearranged this room, so you didn’t have to go up and down the stairs. Sheridan, I need to unbutton your shirt, and hook up the monitor.” She shook her head, go ahead. Luis hooked everything up, including a heart monitor on Sheridan, and everything made a beeping sound that they had come familiar with, and would have to stay familiar with for a while. The nurse was set to come in five hours, to check on everything. By the time Luis was done, Sheridan was asleep. He brushed the hair off her forehead and kissed it. ‘My poor baby,’ he thought in his head. He picked up the traveling monitors, like baby monitors where you can hear your child, but these had little bleeps, and numbers that measured Sheridan’s heart rate, and the babies, as well as conveyed sound, in case Sheridan needed him. They were two separate monitors, and would blow a different tone if either of them were in trouble. Luis was thankful for all of this stuff, but it cost an arm and a leg. Julian offered to pay for some, but the bulk of the renovations, and equipment came out of Sheridan’s account, and Luis was not happy about that. Luis walked back out to the living room to talk to his family. They would all need to take special care of Sheridan and the baby for the next 8 months, and he was ready to assign jobs to each of them.
Luis went back into the living room, and turned to his family. “Now, Theresa, can you come when I have to run into the station during the day.” “Of course.” “And Miguel I need you hear in the afternoons.” Miguel nodded his head okay. “And mamma, if you could stop by at nights, that would be wonderful. I don’t want to stress you guys out, so if you can’t make it, or feel overwhelmed please let me know.” Theresa put a hand on Luis’ shoulder and said, “Luis, we love you guys, and we would do anything for you. You know how our family is. When someone’s in trouble, we all help out. Don’t worry, I promise we will help you both through this, and in no time we’ll be holding a beautiful baby girl in our arms.” Theresa kissed Luis and so did Pilar. They all headed towards the front door, and gave hugs all around, and Luis was left alone with Sheridan.
Luis walked into their new bedroom, and got under the covers with Sheridan. Just as he was about to fall asleep, Sheridan woke up and turned her neck, so she could see Luis. “Luis.” Luis immediately woke up. “Yes, is something wrong?” “No, I just need to go to the bathroom.” Luis unhooked all of the machines and helped her into the bathroom. He had heard the pregnant woman needed to pee all of the time, and he couldn’t imagine unhooking, and rehooking up all the machinery every time she needed to get up. Sheridan stepped out of the bathroom, and Luis scooped her up in his arms and placed her back in bed, and strapped the monitors back up. Luis lay down in bed next to her, and she kissed him and said thank you. Just as he was about to fall asleep again, Sheridan turned over and said, “Luis.” Luis immediately came to attention again. “Are you okay Sheridan?” “No, I’m hungry.” Luis sat up and asked her what she wanted. She thought about it for a while and said, “I want a turkey sandwich and a pickle.” Luis got up and made her food, and brought back a big glass of milk, along with the pills she had to take. Sheridan took her pills, drank half the glass of milk, and took three bites out of the sandwich, but scarfed down her pickle. When she told Luis she was done he looked and her and said, “You hardly ate anything.” He was a little mad that he went through all that trouble, just for a pickle. Sheridan looked at him teary eyed, “I’m sorry Luis, I just…” He felt so bad for making her cry, and got back into bed with her and held her. He said that we was sorry and kissed her. She accepted his apology and dried the tears from her eyes. They lay down again, wrapped in each others embrace when Sheridan said, “Luis, I want to brush my teeth.” Luis was tired and didn’t want to unhook everything, so he got her toothbrush and a cup, and she brushed her teeth in bed. As soon as Luis came back from the bathroom Sheridan had a funny look on her face and said, “Luis, I’m going to be sick.” He had a pail next to the bed, and she threw up. Luis went into the bathroom, cleaned out the pail, got a cold wet washcloth for Sheridan and mouth wash. Luis went back into the bedroom, and Sheridan rinsed her mouth out, and Luis brought her some crackers and stale ginger ale. At that moment he decided to get a refrigerator for the bedroom. Sheridan sipped some of her ginger ale and laid down, and put the cold washcloth over her eyes and nose. It made her feel much better. After everything was taken care of, Luis laid back down and fell asleep, only to have the doorbell ring a few minutes later and wake both of them up. Sheridan made a funny cracking nose in her throat that sounding like a baby before they cried. He lifted the towel off of her eyes and discovered that she was crying in her sleep. Luis went to answer the door, and the nurse stepped in. He shook her hand, and told her that Sheridan was having a nightmare and that he would be back out in a few minutes. Luis went back into the bedroom, and noticed she was still crying. He noticed the Sheridan’s heart monitor was starting to speed up. He woke her up gently and cradled her in his arms. He kissed her forehead and told her that everything was fine. “I’m here now Sheridan, no one is going to hurt you.” She seemed to relax a bit, and her heart rate went back to normal, and she fell back asleep instantly. Luis then walked back out to greet the nurse. He was extremely tired, and frustrated. Sheridan needed him every time he seemed to fall asleep. Poor Luis wondered if it was going to be like this for the next few months. If so, he thought, he would be a walking zombie. He knew he had to stay strong for Sheridan, and working at home would be a huge help, but he had to get used to the fact that he would never sleep again. ‘Poor Luis.’
Luis looked at his watch, and it was 6 o’clock. He decided to make some dinner for himself and Sheridan. He put the uncooked lasagna that Pilar had prepared for them in the oven. He knew it was going to take about an hour to cook, so he went back into the bedroom, and saw Sheridan struggling to find a comfortable position. He went over and helped her. He hated to see her struggle. He kissed her and asked, “How are you feeling?” She smiled sweetly and said, “I’m better now that you’re here.” Luis leaned in for a kiss and said, “Awww, that’s so sweet baby. Are you hungry?” Sheridan shook her head no, and said timidly, “I have to go to the bathroom again.” Luis unstrapped her, and brought her to the bathroom. When she stepped out of the bathroom she had a funny look on her face. “Are you okay Sheridan.” “Yeah, my body is just a little sore from not moving around.” Luis hooked the machines back on and said, “Would you like me to give you a back rub while we wait for dinner?” Sheridan said that would be nice, and they laid down. Sheridan laid down on her side, because she was to keep as much pressure off of her uterus as possible. Luis rubbed her lower back, where it hurt the most, and then moved lower to her butt. After he had finished he brought his arms around her and kissed her cheek. His arms accidentally brushed against her breasts and Luis heard Sheridan take a sharp intake of breath, and he became worried. “Are you okay Sheridan?” Sheridan moved his arms down and said, “Yes, I’m fine, but please try not to touch my breasts.” Luis helped her sit on her back and rubbed her cheek. “I’m sorry sweetheart. Are they really sore?” Sheridan shook her head, “mmm hmm.”
Luis looked in Sheridan’s eyes and saw such love. “You are so beautiful Sheridan.” Sheridan stared into his eyes and said, “and you are very handsome. I hope our baby has your smile.” Luis smiled widely, and said, “I hope she has your eyes.” They hadn’t been able to be romantic with each other in a while, and Luis fully intended to take advantage of them being home, and alone. Luis leaned down and kissed Sheridan. The kisses started out sweet and short, but as they got carried away, Luis traced his tongue along Sheridan’s lips. Sheridan happily opened her lips inviting Luis’ experienced tongue. She loved the way he kissed. He could have such restraint. Right now he moved slowly and presented his love for her in the slow circling massages that his tongue was maneuvering. When Luis reached his tongue into Sheridan’s mouth, he savored the most decadent flavors of her mouth. He had longed to kiss her like this for so long now. He missed feeling so connected to her. When Luis needed to breath, he pulled his tongue back into his mouth, and hers followed. She rubbed circles on the roof of his mouth, and Luis thought he would go crazy with desire for her. He knew he couldn’t go any further than kissing, but he was completely satisfied with it. He loved Sheridan so much, that just being with her made him feel content. They ‘made out’ with each other for 45 minutes, when the alarm on the oven sounded. Luis and Sheridan looked at one another, both were totally breathless, and were a little upset that they were interrupted. Luis stuck out his lip and said, “Sorry, I have to go turn off the oven.” He kissed her quickly and went into the kitchen. He prepared everything for dinner, and brought some in for Sheridan. The minute he brought the food in the bedroom, Sheridan threw up in her pail. The smell of the cheese was getting her very sick. Luis set the plates down and asked her if she was okay. She said yes, and told him, “I feel really sick right now Luis. I think the smell of the cheese is making me sick.” He brought the food back out to the kitchen and went back into the bedroom to ask Sheridan if she wanted something different to eat, but she was throwing up again. He cleaned out her pail, and she said that she was just going to stick to her crackers right now, but he should go eat. “I feel really bad Sheridan, I didn’t know the smells would make you this sick.” Sheridan tried to smile at him so he wouldn’t feel bad, “It’s not your fault. How were you supposed to know? Just go into the kitchen and eat. The sooner you’re done, the sooner you can come in here and watch a movie with me.” He kissed her forehead and went to go eat his dinner.
Sheridan had started to feel better, and then Luis came back to the bedroom. As soon as he entered she felt terrible again. She could smell it on him. It was in his clothes, his breath, in his hair. Luis went over to the bed to give Sheridan a hug and she held up her hands in a ‘stop’ fashion. She threw up and the pain in her head was very intense. Luis started walking towards her again, and she screamed, “STOP.” Luis was upset. “What’s wrong Sheridan?” “Don’t take this the wrong way Luis, but could you please take a shower?” Luis gave her a hurt look, “are you trying to imply something Sheridan?” All of a sudden she became very pissed at Luis and said very sarcastically, “Yeah, I can smell the lasagna all over you, it’s in your clothes and well everywhere Luis, it’s all over you. Can you please take your clothes off?” Luis could see that she was having another mood swing and tried to lighten the mood. “Sheridan, I know you want me, but demanding me to take my clothes off, well it just isn’t going to happen.” Luis said playfully. Sheridan laughed and Luis was happy to see her smile. He knew these mood swings were going to happen more often now, and he wanted to make sure nobody got their feelings hurt because of them. “Luis, even if I could make love to you, I wouldn’t want to because you smell like cheese, and I don’t like my men smelly.” They both laughed and Luis walked into the bathroom to take a shower, but he left the door open. Sheridan yelled in to him, “what are you doing Luis?” He didn’t answer her, instead he started to strip. He pulled his shirt over his head, and Sheridan wanted to run up to him and run her hands over his gorgeous buff body. As he bent down to take off his jeans, his abs just seemed to call Sheridan’s name. Luis winked at her, and she watched him take off the last of his garments. Luis pulled down his boxers, and threw them over his back. Sheridan giggled a little, but Luis’ little strip tease turned her on. Her eyes roamed his body, starting at his eyes. She gave him a sexy flirtatious look, and then looked at his manly chest, and defined abs. As her eyes went down to his manhood, she became excited, and the throbbing inside her turned to pain. Apparently getting turned on was wreaking havoc with her insides, and her uterus gave her a dull ache, telling her this was not a good idea. Her face contorted oddly, and she out a hand on her stomach. Luis knew something was wrong and ran into the room. She told him to stop, that she was fine, just a few cramps and that she didn’t need to smell him to make it worse. He backed into the bathroom, and Sheridan tried to make him feel better and said, “I always told you, your sexy body did things to me.” He smiled back at her and put his clothes in the hamper, and took a shower to ‘de-stinkify’ himself as Sheridan put it. He was very glad that in the midst of all the mad circumstances surrounding then, that they both had a sense of humor, and could cheer each other up.
Luis stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, and returned to the bedroom to put on some boxers. When he stepped out of the steamy bathroom he asked Sheridan, “better?” She looked at the water running down his exquisite body and said, “Come closer. I can’t smell you from so far away.” Luis climbed on the bed and smiled as he saw Sheridan inspect and sniff every inch of his body. Sheridan said, “You smell better but this is much worse than before.” His smile fell into a frown and he asked, “what’s wrong now?” He didn’t like the thought that he made Sheridan feel bad, in any way. Sheridan looked into his eyes and said; “Well you saw what your body did to me before, but seeing you all wet with water running down your chiseled body, has turned me on much more than before.” He wasn’t expecting this answer so he asked, “You aren’t in any pain?” She wanted to be completely honest with him and said, “well, actually it’s just a dull ache, but even if you were dressed in a wool coat, just being close to you, is a huge turn on.” He kissed Sheridan and said, “Maybe I should go get dressed than.” Sheridan put a hand on his arm stopping him. He sat back on the bed, and watched as Sheridan walked her fingers from his belly button up to his chest. She rubbed his chest and shoulders, and it was now his turn to be turned on. She slid one hand to the back of his hair, and up his neck. The other hand traced his lips and Luis came closer to her, so she could kiss him. They both had so much love and at that moment lust for each other, that it was almost unbearable. Sheridan tried to turn onto her side and slide on top of Luis, but as soon as she moved, the dull ache spread through her lower abdomen and she changed her mind. She put her hands on Luis’ shoulders and pushed him back down to the bed. He watched as her hands slid down to the towel he was wearing and opened it. She stared at him, and he was showing signs that he was very, very, excited. She then took him into her small warm hands, and Luis flung his head back. He had no idea Sheridan was going to do this, but he was extremely pleased. He felt the heat of her hands and just wanted to connect their bodies together, and make the heat intensify, but he knew that wasn’t a possibility. He just sat there, thoroughly enjoying the sensations Sheridan was causing him, by making love to him with her hands. It didn’t take too long for Luis to go over the edge, and scream Sheridan’s name in ecstasy. She watched his beautiful face as he orgasmed. He looked so striking at that moment. When Luis stopped shaking he turned to Sheridan and kissed her so intensely to thank her for loving him the way she did. After the kiss ended Luis said, “wow, that was new.” Sheridan smiled and said, “well, I figured just because we can’t make love, doesn’t mean we both have to suffer.” Luis looked at Sheridan and said seriously, “trust me Sheridan, I wasn’t suffering. It’s like you said, just being with you is enough for me.” Sheridan was touched and kissed him. “Well, I also needed a way to thank you for taking care of me…” “You don’t have to thank me Sheridan…” Luis interrupted her. She stopped him with a kiss. “You didn’t let me finish. I wanted to thank you for taking care of me, and I also did it for another, more selfish reason.” “Oh yeah, and what was that?” Luis said playfully, as he sucked on Sheridan’s fingers.” “I just love seeing your face in the throws of passion. I love the way you squish your face up a little, and open your mouth. You look so gorgeous.” Luis kissed her and said, “Thank you, I didn’t know you liked admiring me so much, but you know, the feeling is mutual. I love to hear you call my name when you go over the edge, it makes me feel great that I can make you so happy.” “Well Luis, you better have that sound burned into your memory because it’s going to be a while before you hear it again.” Luis kissed her nose, and said, “Sweetheart, I don’t care if we can’t make love until after the baby is born. I love you for your wonderful heart, and beautiful soul, not because you sleep with me.” He bent down to suck on her earlobe and whispered, “even though you are a wonderful lover.” Sheridan pushed Luis away and said, “we better stop. I’m really tired and you aren’t helping the pains go away.” Luis said he was sorry, and hopped of the bed to clean up and put a pair of boxers on.
He then stuck a movie in the DVD player and got into bed with Sheridan. They watched the movie for about a half hour. Luis was thinking rather than watching the movie. He thought about how wonderful Sheridan was for wanting to please him because she knew they couldn’t make love. God he was so in love with this woman. He imagined what it was going to be like to watch her tummy grow as the baby grew inside of her, and going to Lamaze classes. He thought about how she would need his support during labor. The thought of his baby, their baby, coming into the world through Sheridan’s body was overwhelming. He was so caught up in wonderful thoughts, that they eventually were lulling him to sleep. Just as he was about to nod off he heard, “Luis, I have to go to the bathroom, and I want an apple.” He moaned inwardly. Man this was going to be a long pregnancy.
Luis walked into the bedroom and picked Sheridan up. “What are you doing Luis?” He looked into her deep blue eyes and said, “I thought you would like a little change in scenery.” He set her down gently onto her feet in the hallway, and put his arm around her side to keep her from falling. She rarely walked in the past week and a half. Her legs were sort of stiff. She took a tentative step and her legs felt so weak. They almost couldn’t support her weight. She took another step and said, “Luis, my legs feel like lead, I can barely move them.” Then she started crying. Luis moved in front of her and wrapped his arms around her for support and crouched down to be eye level with her. “What’s wrong sweetie? You know I don’t like to see you cry. Are you in pain?” Sheridan shook her head no, and tried to get herself under control. She was upset, but she had no idea she was going to start crying out of nowhere. She looked at Luis’ handsome face and said, “Will you still love me if I get fat?” Luis wanted to crack up, but he kept himself calm and only let out a soft giggle. “Sheridan, pregnant woman aren’t fat.” He could see her lips quivering, and thought that she was just so cute. “That’s not what I mean Luis. If I can’t get up and move or even walk, then everything I eat is going to make me fat. After I have the baby people will still think I’m pregnant. I’m going to look like a cow Luis.” She buried her head in his shoulder and continued crying. Luis rubbed her back and really tried to be serious, but he just couldn’t help thinking how funny and cute the situation was. He held on to her and whispered in her ear, “Shh Sheridan. Everything is going to be fine. You’re not going to get fat, and even if you gain some weight, I still love you… (He cracked a smile and chuckled) every last inch of you.” He just couldn’t help himself. He heard a huge sob escape Sheridan’s lips, and she started crying even more. He swayed back and forth with her and said, “I’m sorry sweetie. I’m an idiot. I give you full permission to beat me up.” He pulled back from her and wiped the tears off her face. He then looked at her top to bottom and said, “Sheridan, you are so skinny, I’m sure you’ll be right back to your normal size after the baby is born, and even if you’re not, I can complete faith in your self control and I know you get back down to a… what size do you where, 0.” She smiled a little bit and Luis kissed her. “Come on Sheridan, let’s finish your walk.”
The more Sheridan walked, the better she felt. The strength was returning to her legs. She made it to the couch in the living room where Kathleen was waiting with the equipment. Thank God it all had wheels. Luis sat Sheridan down and the doorbell rang. He kissed Sheridan’s head and went to answer the door. Kathleen hooked up the machines to Sheridan, and told her that they could exercise some each day. Sheridan said thank you and relaxed on the couch. Her little crying fit, and her short walk, combined with the fact that she hadn’t taken a nap in four hours tired Sheridan out. She closed her eyes and wondered who was at the door.
Luis answered the door and saw Beth standing there with a box of food. Luis smiled and said, “Hi Beth.” He kissed her cheek, and Beth felt chills run through her body. She knew Luis still loved her. “Hi Luis, I brought some coffee and doughnuts and stuff for you and Sheridan. How is she doing?” All the while Beth was really thinking, ‘I hope she’s suffering.’ Luis took the box from Beth and asked her to come on in. Beth didn’t think Sheridan would be in the living room, so when she entered, she was more than a little shocked to see her. Actually, she was hoping to avoid Sheridan all together. Luis placed the box on the coffee table in front of Sheridan and told her to wake up because they had a visitor. Sheridan opened her eyes and tired to act as cheery as she could. She knew Beth still had the hots for Luis, but she tried to be cordial just the same. Beth took a seat in the living room, and asked, “Sheridan, how are you and the baby?” Sheridan smiled and said, “We’re just fine, thanks to Luis. If it weren’t for him, I think I would go crazy being on 24 hour bed rest.” Beth looked a little confused and said, “You know, I didn’t even think of the time, it’s the middle of the day, why aren’t you at work Luis?” Luis smiled and kissed on of Sheridan’s hands. “Sam worked it out so I could work at home now, so I could be with Sheridan and the baby all the time.” Beth felt like she had been kicked in the gut. Not only did she get to be married to him, and pregnant with his child, but now they got to be together 24/7. She wanted to be sick. “Well, that’s wonderful. You know, I made all of you guy’s favorites. I made the coffee just like both of you like it, and blueberry muffins because we all know how much you two like them. As a matter of fact I seem to recall a time when you too got into a huge fight over one.” Luis and Sheridan smiled at each other as they reminisced. Luis got his coffee and muffin out of the box and asked Sheridan if she wanted hers. She shook her head no, but thanked Beth anyways. Sheridan’s lack of appetite worried Luis, especially since the doctor said she should be experiencing all the cravings and eating every three hours like other pregnant woman. It was the complete opposite in her case, she never wanted to eat. “You don’t even want your coffee Sheridan?” Beth asked. “No, I’m sorry Beth, but pregnant woman aren’t supposed to drink caffeine.” “Maybe Kathleen might want it,” Luis chimed in. Kathleen said thank you, and took a huge sip. Beth put up her hand to say stop, but it was too late. Kathleen had already downed a hefty amount. Sheridan watched Beth put her hand in the air, and it triggered a memory. Sheridan tried to remember, but it was giving her a terrible headache. Luis watched Sheridan close her eyes and rub her temples and immediately became concerned. “Are you okay Sheridan?” “No, I… I have a really bad headache.” Sheridan saw the image of Beth’s hand again. ‘Why was it so significant to her?’ Luis didn’t know what caused Sheridan’s sudden attack, but he wanted it to end. Kathleen was starting to tend to Sheridan, so Luis stood up and looked at Beth and motioned for her to follow him. “I’m sorry your visit had to be so short Beth, and please don’t think I’m kicking you out, but as you can see Sheridan’s not doing well, and…” “Say no more Luis, I don’t want to impose.” “Thanks Beth, you’re a wonderful friend. Maybe we can get together later.” When Beth walked out the door, she turned around and said, “Do you have idea as to who did this to her Luis? I feel horrible seeing her in so much pain.” Luis was touched at her concern, and a little confused. “No Beth, we have no idea who did, but we will, and they better pray that one of the other officers finds them before I do, because when I get my hands on them…there’s telling what I will do.” Beth turned to Luis and playfully said, “I know you’ll catch them Luis. I have total faith in you, and I’m sure Sheridan does too. After all, you are a detective now, so act like one.” Beth turned and left. Her last sentence really got to Luis, but just when he started to think about it, he heard Sheridan screaming.
After Luis left to show Beth to the door Sheridan’s headache increased rapidly. There were tons of images thrust upon her and couldn’t decipher any of them. She remembered most of what happened that night, but some things were a bit hazy because she forced herself to forget them. Why did she start now though? Why did Beth’s hands trigger a memory? Sheridan heard her heart monitors alarms go off, and Kathleen brought over a syringe and flicked it to get the air out. When Sheridan saw this, the pain in her head began to become extremely intense. The whole event had triggered a memory that Sheridan wanted to bury, and she started to scream. Not only was the headache unbearable, she had started to cry, which made her nasal passages swell, and she felt everything ten times more. Just as Kathleen was about to inject her, she doubled over. Sheridan screamed even more now, and saw Luis enter the room, and take in the scene before him. The light hurt her eyes, and Sheridan shut them, which also shut the comforting image of Luis coming to her rescue out, and her emotions started running haywire. She couldn’t see Luis, and she was frightened, so she screamed for him.
Luis was on the phone with 911 and told them his situation. He heard Sheridan call for him and he hung up the phone, knowing the ambulance was on its way. He ran over to Sheridan and sat on the edge of the couch. He pulled her up off the couch and held her. “It’s okay baby, what’s wrong. Is it the baby?” “No Luis, I just remembered something horrible, and my head hurts so badly. Make it stop Luis, make it go away.” He kissed her forehead, and placed kisses in her hair. “If I could make it go away Sheridan, I would. My God I hate seeing you hurt like this. Just hold on until the ambulance comes baby.” Right as Luis said that, the EMT's came in through the front door that Luis had left open, and ran over to Kathleen. Kathleen told them to give Sheridan 50 cc’s of some medicine or other and they did. Sheridan felt completely better, and totally relaxed, and her heart monitor resumed to normal. Kathleen however, had to be rushed to the hospital. She told the EMT’s all of her symptoms, and they had no clue as to what caused this. Before the loaded her into the ambulance, Luis went to her side and said, “you’re going to be fine Kathleen. I’ll call the hospital and check up on you okay?” She shook her head yes, and they loaded her up, and drove away.
Luis went back into the living room and saw Sheridan lying calmly on the couch rubbing her stomach and humming. What a site he thought. After all of that she still managed to stay calm and be strong for the baby. Sheridan looked up and held her hand out for Luis to take. He pulled the coffee table close the couch sat down, and took her hand. Sheridan placed his hand on her belly, where the baby was. “Are you okay sweetheart?” “Yeah I am, the EMT told me the shot he gave me was migraine medicine. Every time I remember something Luis, I get a migraine and go into shock. What is wrong with me?” “Sheridan, nothing is wrong with you. You went through a horrendous experience and I memories from that night are hard for you to handle. I can’t say I blame you. I don’t know of anyone who could have gone through what you did, in your condition, and not have a complete breakdown. I am so proud of you for keeping it together Sheridan. I know we haven’t talked about the specific details of that night, but maybe it is time. Maybe you can tell us something that will help us find whoever did this.” “Actually Luis, I remembered something when I saw Beth. Please don’t think I’m crazy.” Luis kissed Sheridan and said, “I would never think you’re crazy Sheridan.” “Okay here goes. When I saw Beth’s hands, I started getting flashbacks. Then when Kathleen went to inject me, I started having jumbles of images. And then I finally put them together. But Luis, what I think couldn’t have happened. It just can’t be right. You might even get mad when I tell you.” “Sheridan just tell me and let me be the judge of that alright?” He could see that she was starting to withdraw from him, and that’s the last thing that he wanted. He looked Sheridan in the eyes, and brushed some hair off of her face. He knew she loved that, and it would help to ease her mind a little. Sheridan took a big breath and said, “When I saw Beth’s hands, and Kathleen going to inject me, I flashbacked to the injection that the kidnapper gave me. I saw their hands Luis. I saw them flick the syringe to get all the air out of it…you know, like they do on TV, and I those hands Luis. Beth’s hands…they were the ones I saw do it. I know this sounds terrible, and if you think I’m completely wrong, please tell me, but I saw Beth’s hands today, I saw Kathleen hold the syringe. I combined the two images, and I know for a fact that Beth’s hands were the ones that I saw that night. She was the one who tried to kill our baby.”
Luis took a big breath. He tried hard to think of another reason, because this was Beth after all, he had been best friends with her for so long, but Sheridan was right. It was Beth. It had to have been Beth. Luis thought to what she said at the door again. “After all, you are a detective now, so act like one.” Luis flashbacked to the night Sheridan was taken. To his talk with the kidnapper on the pier.
~Flashback~
Luis arrived at pier 13, but no one was around. He saw a note tied to the railing. It read: Dear detective, you’ve had a run of good luck these past few years, stealing Sheridan’s heart. Getting married and all the assets that come with it, including your ten-story house, getting promoted, and now a baby. Well, I have news for you; you’re about to be knocked off of your pedestal. Go to this address, and go alone. Remember, I’m always watching.” Then Luis heard a voice come from under the pier. “Don’t make any sudden movements. I know you have other officers stashed somewhere around here. Walk over to the ledge, and non-chalantly drop your radio and cell phone in the water.” Luis did as he was told. “Lift up your shirt, I don’t want to see any recording devices or tracers.” Again, Luis did what the maniac told him to. “Okay, you’re clean.” Luis decided to try and get a little extra info about this person. “You’re really smart, you kidnapped her without my noticing, your phone number wasn’t traced at the station, you’ve searched me for devices, and you’ve typed the letter to keep the handwriting from being analyzed.” “Shut up, she doesn’t have time for this. You know where the old train yard is.” “Yeah” Luis replied coldly. “Well, she’s in the bottom cellar of the last underground train tracks. I’ll let you figure it out on which side she is, left or right. After all, you are a detective now, so act like one.” That was the last thing Luis heard before he went bolting for the railroad station.
~End Flashback~
That was the same sentence the kidnapper had said that night. Beth had just said the same exact thing. Luis tried to hear the voice without the modifier in his mind. Could it have been Beth? She said it both times with the same connotation, the same tone. My God why hadn’t she realized her mistake? Why did she come over at all, probably to see if Sheridan was in pain. That would really make her day now wouldn’t it? Luis remembered that she brought food and coffee over. She said she had prepared the coffee just the way we both liked it, this way they wouldn’t drink the others. Beth must have poisoned the coffee, but Kathleen drank it instead. She was having stomach pains. Jesu Christe, she must have tried it again. Kathleen wasn’t having pains in her stomach, it was her uterus. Beth had tried to kill the baby again. The sympathy Luis felt for Beth was fading fast, and now it was pure and utter rage. He had nothing but hate and contempt for this woman. Luis was absolutely livid.
Sheridan saw the nasty looks that were penetrating Luis’ features and thought that he hated her for thinking such a thing of Beth. Sheridan tried to pull herself up off the couch, but Luis’ hand shot out and grabbed her. “Where do you think you are going?” He was acting way too rough with her, and instantly felt terrible for it. He loosened his grip. There Sheridan was, telling Luis her true feelings, basically doing his job by solving who did this to her and his child and he was manhandling her. If he had his gun in the holster, he would have pistol-whipped himself for being such an ass. His looks softened, and he ran a hand through Sheridan’s hair. He knew that he had to calm down, or he would kill someone right there on the spot. He couldn’t tell Sam about it yet, because he was still too furious. “Sheridan, I want you to forget about what happened for now.” “Why Luis, do you hate me for blaming Beth.” He kissed her wrists, where he had grabbed her before. “No, honey, I don’t hate you. I just think we need to take our minds off things for a little while, and then get back on track. It won’t do either of us any good worrying about the heavy stuff right now after the incident that just happened. I really need to relax, and I think I have the perfect way to do it. Would you like to take a shower with me Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?” Sheridan was confused by his sudden change in behavior, but didn’t want to push him. As a matter of fact, she did want a shower, other people for a week and a half had bathed her, in a bathtub, and a shower seemed divine. She kissed his cheek, and made her way over to his ear. “Only if I can take one with the handsome Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald.” He smiled and said, “I think that can be arranged.” Luis desperately needed to calm himself down. He didn’t want to scare Sheridan, and he thought a shower would calm his nerves a bit, and relax Sheridan as well, so when they were done, she could take a nap, and he could go to the station.
Luis had helped Sheridan sit up and took the monitors off her. He then carried her into the shower and sat her down on the toilet. He helped her get undressed, and then undressed himself. He turned on the water and when it reached the temperature he wanted, he picked Sheridan up, and stood her up in the shower. He got behind her, and wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling. Sheridan turned around in his arms and asked, “You’re really not mad at me Luis?” He kissed her passionately and said, “I’m really not mad at you.” Sheridan looked into his eyes and said, “Luis, are you sure, because you haven’t said anything…” Luis put his finger up to her lips and kissed them. He gently nibbled on her lower lip, and it drove Sheridan crazy. She wanted him to take her, but they couldn’t cause any more complications with the baby. Their kisses turned rather steamy, and Sheridan pulled back. “Luis, I love you, but I have been stuck with sponge baths for the past week. I really want to enjoy this shower.” Luis stuck out his lip and pouted, and slicked the hair back off her forehead. “You mean you didn’t enjoy the bath I gave you?” Sheridan kissed the pout right off of his face. “I enjoyed it thoroughly. Now clean me up.” Luis laughed at her last sentence. “Will do.” They took turns using the loofa and body wash, but mostly it was Luis who did the washing. Luis washed Sheridan’s hair first, and then she returned the favor. She slowly massaged Luis’ scalp. She rubbed circles around his temples, and Luis inhaled and exhaled a very soothing breath. He was right; this shower was the cure to gaining his composure. Sheridan notice the peaceful look that was taking over his hardened features, and was glad to be giving him some sort of relief, even though she didn’t know why he was uptight in the first place. ‘Maybe he’s still edgy about everything that happened the past few weeks. Poor Luis has hardly gotten any sleep, and he’s been worrying and waiting on me all the time now.’ Sheridan thought to herself. She felt so bad for him, and tried to do what she could to make him feel better. She ran her hands over his broad shoulders and massaged them deeply. She did the same to his chest, and then brought her hands behind his head to massage his back and neck. Luis’ anger was slowly dissipating. It would never fade, but Sheridan, and the hot water were releasing all the tension he had built up since Beth turned their lives upside down. ‘God this feels wonderful. I love Sheridan so much, she is the perfect wife. Ooh that feels really good. Oh wow, her hands feel so good massaging my neck. What would I do without her? Don’t think like that Luis. You almost lost her, and you will never come that close again.’ Luis thought while Sheridan’s hands were working miracles on his body.
After they were finished, Luis carried Sheridan out of the shower wrapped her in a towel. He sat her down on the toilet again, dried himself off, and put on a pair of boxers. He bent down on his knees in front of Sheridan, and pulled the towel open, still leaving it tied around her chest. He looked at her stomach, where their baby was, and thanks to God, was safe and healthy. He looked up at Sheridan lovingly and put a hand on her abdomen. He starting rubbing it up and down, he wanted to feel connected to his baby. No, he needed to feel connected, so when they arrested Beth he wouldn’t get discouraged. He wanted to be able to tell her that the baby was fine, and he would never let anything happen to her again. The baby he and Sheridan made out of love, would be born in 7 and a 1/2 months, and would be a constant reminder that the good guys always win in the end. Luis realized that he was thinking too much about Beth again, and becoming angered. Right now, he wanted to focus on Sheridan and the baby, his family. He laid his head on Sheridan’s abdomen, and just sat there, being as close to his baby as possible. Sheridan took her delicate fingers, and brushed them through Luis’ hair, much like she when he slept on her couch when he was distraught after he thought he let his father die. Sheridan knew right now, he needed comforting, and she was there to give it to him. They sat like that for five minutes, when Luis heard Sheridan yawn. He realized she must have been very tired. She was taking naps every few hours, and it had been at least six since her last one. He kissed her stomach, and brought her into the bedroom. As he carried her in, he whispered in her ear, “I love you, and our baby girl.” Sheridan smiled at him and felt very drowsy.
Luis shook himself from his present memory, and went to answer the door. Theresa walked in the door and gave Luis a hug and a kiss. “Where do you have to go Luis?” “I have to go to the station for a little while. I shouldn’t be more than a few hours, and I’ll call you if it’ll be longer. No wait, I’ll call you anyways just to check on Sheridan.” Theresa laughed at her brother, and watched him walk into the bedroom to say goodbye to Sheridan.
“Sheridan, I have to go to the station for a few hours. Theresa is here okay? Do you need anything before I leave? You haven’t eaten in a while. Let me get you some food.” “Luis I am fine. Go. I’ll be asleep while you’re gone anyway.” “All right,” Luis said hesitantly. He really wanted her to eat something, but he wasn’t going to push it. “Give me a kiss, and then I have to go.” They gave each other a sweet little goodbye kiss, and Luis said, “bye baby, I love you” to Sheridan’s stomach. “I love you too Sheridan.” “I love you too Luis.” He then left the room. He saw Theresa sitting on the couch watching TV. “Theresa, I want you take good care of Sheridan. Check in on her every fifteen minutes, and if you go upstairs bring the monitors with you. I have mine, and if the alarm goes off, I’ll call you. Do you know who to call if something happens?” Theresa thought Luis was being a little overdramatic, and the tone in her voice showed it. “Yes Luis, I know who to call. Now just leave.” “Wait, there’s more. You have my cell phone number and pager number right? If you don’t, they are on the refrigerator. Speaking of food, Sheridan hasn’t eaten anything in a while. When she wakes up, please make sure she eats something.” “10-4 drill sergeant.” Theresa saluted him. Luis was getting aggravated. He didn’t think he was being overprotective, and he was getting upset, thinking he had to go to the station for an arrest warrant against Beth. “Very funny Theresa, now can you please be serious. Don’t let her get out of bed unless she has to go to the bathroom. No other reason, do you understand me? Don’t fall for her ‘I just want to take a walk, my legs hurt’ routine. You aren’t that strong, and if she falls, well let’s not think about what will happen if she falls. You have to turn the machines off before you unhook her, because if you don’t the alarms will go off, because they can’t detect a heartbeat. Make sure she leans all of her weight on you. Her legs are weak from not walking.” “Is that all Luis? Should a get a note pad?” Luis shot Theresa a disapproving look, grabbed the coffee Kathleen drank, and got his jacket and walked out the door. Theresa tried to shut the door, but Luis put his hand on it to stop her. “Do not let anyone in you do not know, no matter what they say. And the second I walk out this door, lock it.” He gave Theresa a kiss and went to his car and left.
This was the first time he left Sheridan alone since the incident, and he was worried. He was worried something was going to go wrong and he wouldn’t be there. ‘I shouldn’t be leaving her so soon, what if something happens, she needs me. I’ve got to turn the car around. No, no, Theresa is with her, she’ll be fine. What if Beth comes back? No, she won’t be dumb enough to do that.’ By the time Luis got through with the conversation that was going on in his head, he was at the station. He checked the numbers on his monitors, and they all looked stable. He got out of the car and headed for the station. Sam was going to be shocked when he found out about Beth. Luis walked towards Sam desk, and was surprised to see who was sitting at Sam’s desk.
Chapter 20
When Luis was sure Alistair was out of hearing distance Luis said, “What was that all about?” Sam was totally shaken by the past ten minutes in his office. “It’s just like he said Luis. He wanted to make sure we found whoever hurt Sheridan and the baby, and he said he would assign private agents, and the FBI if need be to help us in our search, but since you know who did it, I guess we didn’t need his help. I can’t believe you think its Beth. Do you have any evidence?” Luis let out a sigh. “No, I don’t have any hard core evidence, but Beth came to the house today. She brought by food and coffee for us. Sheridan can’t have caffeine, so her nurse drank it, and became deathly ill. She is in the ER right now. I think Beth put something in the coffee. Also, Sheridan said when she looked at Beth’s hands; she immediately recognized them as the same hands that gave her the injection. Another thing, Beth said, now these are her exact words, “After all, you are a detective now, so act like one”. The kidnapper said the same exact thing to me at the pier. Not only did they use the same words, but also the pitches in the voice were the same. I am sure that it is Beth Sam.” Luis became more and more agitated as he told his story. “I am so pissed, I trusted Beth, and look what she did. DAMN IT.” Luis slammed his fist in the wall, leaving an impression. Just as Sam was about to open his mouth, one of Luis’ beepers gave a funny pitch, indicating to check the numbers, and then went back to normal. Luis looked down at his monitors, and noticed that Sheridan’s heart rate was a little on the fast side.
“What’s wrong Luis?” “I don’t know. Sheridan’s heart rate is getting on the dangerous side. It’s too fast. I have to call home to see what’s going on.” Luis picked up Sam’s phone and called his house. Theresa answered after the second ring. “Theresa, it’s Luis. What’s wrong with Sheridan?” “It’s nothing terrible Luis, she just can’t find a comfortable position, and she keeps moving around. She’s becoming really frustrated, and her emotions are going a little overboard.” “What do you mean, is she okay?” “Yes Luis, she’s fine, she started out crying, but now she’s really frustrated, so she’s crying and screaming, and rolling back and forth. She says she has pains in her back, and I can’t for the life of me calm her down.” Luis knew something would happen if he left. ‘She needs me,’ he thought. “She hasn’t fallen asleep since I left?” “No.” “Theresa, put Sheridan on the phone.” Theresa tried to sound as sweet and soothing as she could. “Here Sheridan, Luis wants to talk to you.” Sheridan wiped some tears from her face and struggled to sit up. Theresa propped a pillow behind her back and handed Sheridan the phone. “Hello.” ‘She sounds so upset,’ Luis thought. “Hi sweetie, Theresa tells me you aren’t feeling well.” “Luis, (Just hearing his sweet voice made her want to cry more).” “Shh, Sheridan. Please calm down. Listen to me. I will home in fifteen minutes.” “I don’t want you to have to leave the station because of me.” “Sheridan, I would do anything for you. Now, try to calm down and I will be home very soon. I knew I shouldn’t have left you, it was too soon.” “No Luis, this isn’t your fault it’s mine. It’s all mine.” “Sheridan, please stop crying. Nothing’s your fault. You’re just a little over-emotional because you’re pregnant. I have to finish some things up here and then I am heading straight home. I love you.” “I love you too Luis.” Sheridan hung up the phone.
“Listen Luis, I will have the coffee analyzed, and with what you and Sheridan remember, we can get an arrest warrant for Beth she’ll be locked away for a long time.” “I still can’t believe she did this Sam.” Luis ran an extremely frustrated hand through his hair. “I know it’s hard to believe Luis, I mean you guys were once very close.” “You know Sam, Sheridan always told me that Beth still had a thing for me, and I didn’t believe her. Maybe none of this would have happened if I listened to her. Maybe if I believed Sheridan, I would have watched her more carefully around Beth. Hell, I wouldn’t have invited Beth to the dinner, and she never would have been there to hear the news or to kidnap Sheridan. How Sam? How could I have been so stupid?” Luis sat down in a chair and put his head in his hands. “Sheridan and the baby almost died because I was too stubborn, and didn’t listen to Sheridan. If they had died, it would have been my fault. Sam put a hand on Luis’ back for comfort. “Listen Luis, none of this is your fault. As a matter of fact, you found Sheridan and saved her. Just now, comforting her on the phone, you’re being there for her, and that’s what she needs right now. You are a devoted and caring husband, and don’t let any hormonal mood swings make you think otherwise. Trust me Luis, they cry all the time. I have three kids remember.” Luis smiled at Sam and pulled himself together. “Thanks Sam, I guess I’ve been trying to stay so strong for Sheridan, that I haven’t even dealt with my feelings yet. Not to mention that every time I finally drift off to sleep Sheridan wakes me up. I know that she needs me, and it’s not her fault that she can’t do things for herself, but I haven’t gotten any rest. And now her nurse in the hospital. My God Sam, my life is a freaking soap opera.” Sam tried not to laugh, because Luis was obviously in need of a friend. “I hate to say this Luis, but you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until you get the midnight cravings. Then you’ll get even less sleep. Then, once the baby is born, you’ll remember sleep fondly, but you won’t get any for a long, long time.” “Great Sam, that’s just what I needed to hear.” “Well maybe this will be better. You have the next three days off. Whatever you do, do not come into the station. I will call you with the results from the coffee, and when I bring Beth in. Other than that, I don’t want to see your face around here. Now go, get some sleep.” “You’re a great friend Sam. I better get home soon, if I want Sheridan to calm down. Her pulse is speeding up again.” Luis left the station and headed for home. He only had two and a half hours before Alistair planned on coming over, and they both needed some rest.
Luis returned home, and practically sprinted into the house and the bedroom. When he got inside he saw Sheridan trashing about in bed and crying. Luis threw his jacket on a chair and went to her side. Theresa let out a sigh of relief that he was back and left them to be alone. Sheridan happily entered Luis’ arms. He rubbed her back soothingly, trying to get her to calm down. (Just to throw in a bit of medical info at you, when the mother’s heart beat increases, so does the blood flow, which cause the baby to be jostled around. It’s not dangerous at all, but if you’re at risk of miscarriage it is.) Sheridan felt very at ease when with Luis. She didn’t understand it, but being with him was calming. ‘What is wrong with me?’ She thought. The truth of the fact is she got tense as soon as Luis left, because she was afraid that if she were left alone someone would try to hurt her again. She didn’t know this though, because it was so subconscious. She did know that whenever Luis left, things got worse than should be, and her whole body seemed to have a nervous reaction. She held on to him tight and buried her head in his neck, relishing the feeling of being with Luis, and her body’s sense of normalcy returning. Luis felt Sheridan’s body heave with her sobs. He could tell that she was trying to get them under control, and little by little, it was working. He pulled back from Sheridan so he could talk to her. He brushed her tears away, and asked, “What’s wrong?” Luis sounded so sincere and caring, that it made Sheridan start crying again. She thought about how lucky she was to have Luis in her life. No one loved her like he did. His love was unconditional, and she felt so blessed to have him. “Sheridan, I need to talk to Theresa for a minute, then I’m coming back in here so we can get some rest okay?” Sheridan shook her head yes and continued to cry. Luis placed a kiss on her forehead and got up to find Theresa.
Theresa was in the living room waiting for Luis. “Hey, did she calm down any?” “No. Listen Theresa, I need you to do me a bug favor.” “Sure, anything.” “Alistair Crane is coming over tonight to see Sheridan. Can you ask Ethan to be over here at 7:45? I would feel better if Ethan were here while Alistair visited. Also I’d really appreciate it if you would make dinner for the three of us. Sheridan needs a nap desperately, and I want her to eat something when she wakes up.” “No problem Luis, what should I make?” “Let’s stick with some chicken noodle soup. I tries to feed her the lasagna mamma made, and it got her very sick.” “Something mamma made got Sheridan sick?” “It’s not like that. The smell of the cheese made Sheridan very nauseas. As a matter of fact, she made me take a shower and put on new clothes because she could smell the cheese on me.” Theresa giggled a little. “That’s funny Luis. I’ve heard the pregnant woman have an intense sense of smell. Like they can smell everything ten times more potent than we can.” “Yeah, well, I guess from now on we have to be careful what we feed her. I’m going to take a nap with Sheridan. Can you please wake us up at 7:15, so we can eat and get ready for Alistair’s visit? Sheridan doesn’t know he’s coming, and I don’t want to tell her until after she naps, if I can ever get her to fall asleep. “ Theresa shook her had affirmatively, and went upstairs to make her call.
Luis returned to the bedroom, and sat down on the bed. He took his shoes off, and yawned. “Boy am I tired. I could really use someone to lay down with me.” Sheridan thought it was funny that he was talking to her like she was a little child, and it made her give a faint smile. That was the exact reaction Luis was hoping for. Luis lay down, and pulled Sheridan in to him. She lay on his chest, and began to relax. She threw an arm around his waist, and snuggled into him. Luis rubbed one hand up her arm, and the other one through her hair. Sheridan let out a frustrated sigh. “What’s wrong sweetie? Why can’t you sleep?” “You know what it’s like when you don’t to anything but lay in bed all day, but you can’t stay awake forever, and you become tired late at night, but you haven’t done anything physically to make you tired, so you can’t sleep. That’s how I feel.” She was beginning to talk faster and faster, and by the end she was speeding, and becoming agitated all over again. “Luis, after we took our shower, I was so relaxed, and I was about to fall asleep, but then when you left my whole body got tense and hurt, and I couldn’t find a comfortable position. My body felt so stiff, and I couldn’t stay still, so I began squirming, and then I got more tired, but I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t find a relaxed position, and then I got frustrated, and… I just want to scream!!!” Sheridan’s heart rate was speeding now, and the alarm sounded. The alarm made Sheridan more upset, and everything was whirl winding out of control. Luis tried to quiet her down. He continued to rub and soothe her. “Shh, baby. It’s okay. I’m here now, and you can relax okay. I know a way to get you to sleep.” She looked up at him with those crystal blue eyes that made his heart melt. He hoped the baby had her eyes. “You do?” She sounded so scared and child like. “Yes, but I need you to relax and cooperate with me okay?” “Okay Luis.” “Alright, here goes. Do you remember the day I proposed to you?” “Umm hmm.” “Close your eyes and remember.” Luis spoke very soft and soothingly, trying to get her to relax. He hoped the combination of his voice and rubbing her would make her sleep. It sure as hell was making him tired. “Just relax and remember Sheridan. I remember it like it was yesterday. I left you a note on the front door. Do you remember what it said?” “It said I love you.” “That’s right. You walked inside the cottage and saw a dress on a mannequin. Do you remember what the dress looked like?” “It was red and short, and skimpy. It didn’t hide any of my ‘assets’” Sheridan giggled. Luis could tell his plan was working. “Well sweetie what can I say? Your assets are too delicious to be concealed.” “Luis.” She playfully said, and hit him in the arm. “Okay, okay, back to the mushy stuff. You changed into the dress, and what did you do next?” “There was a little sign on the coffee table that said go out to the patio. So I went out to the patio.” “And what did you see out there?” “I saw a table for two, with whine chilling, and candles, and rose petals all around.” Sheridan had a dreamy quality to her voice. “Did you happen to see a certain outrageously handsome man out there?” “No, but there was this weird, freakishly tall, Spanish man, then came up from behind me and wrapped his huge muscular arms around my waist.” “Do I look as distorted in real life as you make me sound?” Sheridan patted his cheek. “I’m sorry handsome. Maybe my description was a little off. Let me try again. An extremely hott, fine-looking Spanish man with extremely buff biceps, and gorgeous washboard abs, and the cutest little sideburns wrapped his tender arms around my waist, and kissed my neck.” They snuggled back into position, and Sheridan was actually comfortable. She was finally able to untense, and start drifting off. “Then we ate a…what was your word?” “Scrumptious and decadent.” “Oh yes, we ate a scrumptious dinner, and a decadent desert. And after dessert I seem to remember this beau of yours putting on the song God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You, and asking you to dance. Do you remember that Sheridan?” “Yeah.” She sounded incredibly sleepy, and Luis knew she would be out of it very soon. “After the song, I got down on one knee, and I gave you the most heartfelt speech I’ve ever given in my life. I told you how you were the only one for me. How you make my life complete, and how you fill my soul with joy, and my heart with love.” Luis heard Sheridan’s rhythmic breathing and realized she had fallen asleep. “And I still feel the same way about you now. No, I feel stronger if that is possible. And our baby is so lucky to have parents that feel for each other the way we do Sheridan. I know you might not want to, but I want to have so many more children with you. I want to watch them grow, and have children of their own. But right now, I can’t tell you enough how blessed I am that God gave me you and the baby. I will love and honor and cherish you for the rest of my life Sheridan.” Luis fell asleep thinking that Sheridan didn’t hear a word that he said, but she did, and fell asleep so very content.
Luis walked into the bedroom and saw a satisfied look on Sheridan’s features. Luis went back under the covers and started to plant kisses on Sheridan’s neck. Luis watched her smile grow with satisfaction. He licked the sensitive part of her neck that drove her wild, and she moaned. Luis moved his kisses around her neck, to the front, and down towards the valley between her breasts. Luis’ tongue shot out and licked one of her protruding curves. Sheridan woke up immediately and looked down to see what Luis was doing to her. Luis looked up at her, “were you dreaming about me?” “As a matter of fact, I was. How did you know?” Luis moved his body higher, and placed a sensual kiss on Sheridan’s lips. “Well, you had the most sexy look on your face, and as soon as I started working my magic on your neck, you moaned and really got into it. I figured I was doing something pretty good in your dream, and I figured why not indulge you. Besides, you ‘indulged’ me very well the other night.” “Luis, I didn’t indulge you, I just wanted to be close to you.” She kissed his neck and muttered in between kisses. "Do you want to know what you were doing in my dreams that made me so happy?” While she was talking, Sheridan put her hands on Luis’ back and moved them down to his butt, and gave it a firm squeeze. Luis chuckled and said, “absolutely, but I’m a little thick sometimes, I think I need a visual to go along with the story.” Sheridan took Luis’ earlobe between her teeth and gently tugged on it. “Well, you started out by doing what you were doing when I woke up. Then, you took my shirt off.” Luis took her tank top off. “Mmm, Sheridan, I like where this is going.” “Then you placed succulent kisses from my neck to my chest.” Luis did just that and looked up at Sheridan for her next instructions. “Then, you took my…” The phone rang. Luis grunted, but got up to answer it thinking it might be Sam with news about Beth. Luis realized he hadn’t even told Sheridan about Beth yet. ‘Great, that’s two things I have to tell her now.’ “Hello.” “Luis, my son, this is your father-in-law.” “Oh, hello do you need something?” “I must have woken you up, you sound very out of it, or should I say rude.” “I’m sorry, you did wake us up, and this is the first night in a while that we’ve actually had time to sleep.” “Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt your sleep, but I’m calling to tell you that I am having the servants deliver the food at ten. I will be there at eleven promptly. Goodbye Luis.” Alistair hung up the phone.
Luis flopped down on the bed. “Who was that Luis?” Sheridan had her bright, innocent, blue eyes, flashing in his direction. Luis looked into those eyes, and saw his soul mate, and the mother of his child, and he got that pang in his stomach that he got every time Sheridan was in danger of being hurt. He didn’t know what was causing it, but he felt an overwhelming need to protect her. Protect her from what her father was going to say when he came over, and from people like Beth hurting her. “Luis, who was that?” She repeated. Luis heaved a sigh and said, “Your father!” Sheridan didn’t know what to say. Why would her father be calling, and talking to Luis for that matter. “What did he say Luis?” Luis sat up and took hold of Sheridan’s hands. “Actually Sheridan, he’s coming over for brunch at eleven o’clock. He just called to say that the servants were brining over the food at ten.” “Well Luis, you don’t seem as surprised by this news as I am.” She stated matter-of-factly. “That’s because I’m not. I saw your father at the police station last night and he said he was coming over for dinner at eight last night. However, while we were sleeping he called and said he had an appointment he couldn’t miss and changed it to a brunch this morning.” “What was my father doing at the police station, and why did you feel that I wasn’t important enough to be told? And just what exactly were you doing at the police station? Did you hear about Kathleen’s condition yet? Why do I get the feeling you are keeping something from me Luis?” Luis didn’t want to scare Sheridan with the whole situation about Beth just yet. Sheridan was growing angered. “Answer me Luis.” “Sheridan, I… there is a lot of stuff that I need to tell you, but right now, we should get up and showered and ready for your father. Then, after he leaves we will have a long talk okay? I’m really not trying to keep anything from you, just trying to figure out the right time and way to say it.” “Fine Luis, I’ll leave it be for now, but I will not let it go, so don’t try and weasel your way out of it later.” Luis kissed Sheridan’s nose. “I promise, no weaseling. But I would really like to pick up where we left off before your father called.” Luis started kissing Sheridan’s neck, but Sheridan pushed him away. “No way Luis, I haven’t seen my father for a few years, I have to get ready. Why did you wait until now to tell me Luis? You are the most frustrating man I have ever met. URGGG!!!”
Alistair had had tons of food and flower arrangements delivered. Their dining room looked like the mansion’s and Luis hated it. Granted he did have a huge house for a commoner, but he still hated the fact that Sheridan was used to all the finer things in life, the things that he hated. Sheridan, Luis, and Theresa were dressed very nicely, and waiting in the living room. The doorbell rang promptly at eleven, and one of the servants went to answer in. Alistair, accompanied by Ethan, walked into the living room and the air grew thick with tension. Alistair took a long look at Sheridan. He saw the machines hooked up to her. He saw her light blonde curls, and her tender azure eyes shining brightly at him. She was an exact replica of her mother. If Alistair had a heart, it would have caved, just looking at the beautiful creature in front of his eyes.
Sheridan looked at her father. She saw those same emotionless dark eyes staring back her. His presence was making everyone stiff, but in the farthest regions of Sheridan’s brain, she wished her father were there to say he wanted to be a part of his grandchild’s life. Alistair walked up to Sheridan and expected her to stand too. Sheridan knew her father was going to give her a hug. A dead, impassive hug that he gave her every time he came back to Harmony. She tried to stand, but her legs were weak, and not just from being sick, but also from finally realizing her father didn’t care about her at all. She didn’t see the slightest hint of emotion in the man, and upset her. Luis just sat by and watch the two exchange glances. Sheridan’s held years of neglect and pain that her father inflicted on her, but Alistair’s held nothing. The man was unreadable. Luis saw Sheridan struggle to stand, and he rushed to her side and helped her stand. Alistair embraced his daughter, but she was weak, and he needed to hold on to her. Alistair needed to show his daughter support, and at that very instance, he did. Sheridan was so shocked that she started to cry. Alistair pulled back, but still held on to Sheridan. “What’s wrong my dear?” His pathetic attempt to try and comfort her did not go unnoticed by anyone. “You know how pregnant woman can be, their hormones get the best of them. I guess I’m just so happy to see you after all this time.” “That’s sweet my darling. Why don’t we eat now? I came for a reason, and I intend to tell you all after we eat. Luis, could you…” Luis grabbed Sheridan and helped her to the table.
They enjoyed a nice brunch, with little talking. Mainly Alistair talked about some of his business, and Ethan seemed interested. Alistair asked Sheridan about the baby, and the exact details of the whole kidnapping account. He also told Sheridan that’s why he was at the police station, to offer his services to the Harmony PD to find the ‘audacious bastard that would harm a Crane.’ Sheridan didn’t make any attempt to correct him by saying she wasn’t a Crane anymore, but technically she would always be one by blood. Alistair told Sheridan his services were not needed considering her husband knew whom it was, and was having them arrested. Sheridan almost flew off the handle. Luis saw her nostrils flare, and realized that he should have told her about Beth earlier, because now he would have hell to pay for keeping it from her.
After brunch was over, everyone retired to the parlor, and Alistair was ready to make his announcement. Ethan spoke up. “Well grandfather, what is it that you want to tell us?” “I was just getting to that Ethan my boy. I have something to tell the both of you, something that will change your lives forever.”
Ethan looked like he had the wind knocked out of him, and Sheridan sat, completely still. She looked straight ahead, and showed no emotion. In her head however, there were millions of thoughts bombarding her at once. Alistair felt the need to elaborate, so he did. “I have a disease called Fibrodysplasia (Myositis) Ossificans Progressiva. That is where the body in a sense forms an extra skeleton. My whole body calcifies, and turns to stone. It cannot be cured. As a matter of fact, they have predicted that I have a year at the most to live. I have gone to the best physicians in the world, and there is nothing they can do. I have thought about my life, they way I’ve lived it in the past, and what has become of it, and I have made some decisions. I am splitting the Crane Empire in half. Ethan, you will control most of the businesses, and such, and Sheridan will control personal relations, and all of the stocks and bonds. Basically Sheridan, you will control the all the money. I have decided not to leave Julian any control over the business, because I do not want it run the way that I would have. It is all my fault that Julian is corrupt, and I want the Crane name, to turn over a new leaf. I want it to be synonymous with fair to the workers, and basically anything but what it is now. I know people think the Cranes are evil, but I know by giving the business over to the two Cranes that are the most caring will make this turn around much easier. I know this sounds completely unbelievable, but I am serious. I have also left a clause in my will for all of your children to have hefty trust funds just as the two of you did. Sheridan, there is more money that mother has left you in accounts that you have no knowledge of. Sheridan, by taking over the empire, and from your inheritance from both your mother, and I, you will be the richest person in the world. You will take over my title. This all must be a lot to take in, so if you don’t have any questions I will leave you to think everything over, and please call me so we can set up another meeting time. Oh Luis, there is one other thing. Your mother will be compensated for all the years she has been treated badly at the Crane household by Julian, and for the loss of your father, in the form of one million dollars.” Alistair shook a stunned Ethan’s hand, and stood up to leave, but Luis stopped him. “Alistair, am I assuming too much from your sudden change of heart, to believe that you will actually tell me what happened to my father all those years ago.” “Luis, I want nothing more than to tell you, but it will have to wait two more days. Then, I will tell you what happened to your father all those years ago. I give you my word.” “Alistair, I am going to keep my cool now for Sheridan’s sake, but if you had my father killed. I will take your confession, and put your ass in jail so fast you won’t know what hit you.” Alistair turned and walked out the door, leaving a room full of bewildered people behind.
Luis sat down next to Sheridan again and wrapped his arms around her. “Sheridan, are you okay.” She didn’t answer him. “Sheridan, sweetheart, all you all right?” She still didn’t answer, and Luis was starting to worry. “Sheridan, please say something.” She was still comatose. She had been sitting there with the same expressions, unmoving, and staring out into space. Luis squatted in front of Sheridan and took her hands into his. He brushed a curl of her forehead, and proceeded to talk very quietly. “Sheridan, I need to know that you are okay. Please talk to me.” Sheridan moved her head down towards Luis, but her eyes were still unfocused and a million miles away. “His heart was always made out of ice, and now that it’s finally melted, it turning into stone.” She pushed herself off the couch and shocked Luis when she walked all the way to the bedroom, pushing the monitors with her, and went to bed.
Luis shut Sheridan’s car door and drove to the hospital. Sheridan was in her ninth week, and her belly was beginning to show, or at least to them, because they knew how trim Sheridan had always been. They drove to the hospital in silence. Luis was thinking that the checkup today meant a lot. If everything looked okay, Sheridan would have to take it very easy for the rest of her pregnancy, but basically the baby was out of danger. If it showed that Sheridan was exerting herself too much and the baby was being jostled around, then Sheridan would spend the rest of her pregnancy in bed. The last scenario scared Luis to his core. If the ultra sound today showed that the baby endured too much damage, then they would have to consider abortion, for the sake of the baby, or the baby could even already be dead. Luis could never prepare himself for that. He glanced over at Sheridan one more time before pulling into the parking lot. The entire ride, Sheridan didn’t have one single thought. She just stared out of the window. She didn’t focus on anything, see anything, or hear anything. She was asleep and awake at the same time.
Luis shut off the engine, and Sheridan felt the heat turn off and the movement stop. She glanced at Luis and their eyes met. She wasn’t even in tune enough with herself or Luis to realize his eyes held sadness, and fear. She gave him a weak smile and stepped out of the car. They made it to the waiting room and Sheridan sat down while Luis went to fill out all of the forms for her new doctor. While filling out the form, Luis was pleased with the amount of information he knew. He had actually filled out the entire form about her, by himself. He even knew the date of her last period. He felt like such a good husband at that moment. After he had finished he returned the paperwork to the receptionist. Sheridan was called into the exam room, and Luis followed her in. The nurse asked Sheridan some standard questions and Luis filled in for her when she drew a blank. They both sat in silence as they waited for the doctor.
Dr. Andrews, a female OBGYN, introduced herself to the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s and proceeded with the examination. She examined her physically, and took some blood off to be tested, and then it was time to do the ultra sound. “This may be a little cold.” Dr Andrews warned. She placed the gel on Sheridan’s stomach and she didn’t even flinch. The doctor found the baby, and examined it for a minute. Luis was getting very worried, he didn’t hear a heartbeat. He tightened his hold on Sheridan’s hand, and it was then that Sheridan realized Luis was very scared. She looked up into his eyes and saw pain, and anxiousness. She knew he was waiting to hear the heartbeat, and when he finally did, he relaxed a little. The doctor recorded the ultra sound and went to get her test results back. She said she didn’t want to give them any false hope, and wanted to wait for the test results to go over the ultra sound. Sheridan realized just how much she had been alienating Luis lately and she felt badly for it. She didn’t even squeeze back when he held onto her hand. She hadn’t looked into his heart when she saw how distraught Luis looked about not hearing the baby’s heart beat. She was just about to say something to him when the doctor stepped back into the room. The doctor was only gone for a minute at most and then returned. Luis didn’t even see that Sheridan was back and trying to say something to him. The doctor spoke, “Well you two, it looks like you are having a beautiful healthy baby. Sheridan, you should continue to take it easy, and stay hooked up to the machines for the next few weeks, but by your second trimester, I would say that you can start doing everything else a person without a high-risk pregnancy would. Sheridan smiled lightly, just enough for the doctor to see. Dr. Andrews turned on the recording of the ultra sound, and showed Sheridan and Luis all the baby’s features, and pointed out how good Sheridan’s body was healing. Luis looked so thrilled just watching all of this, learning his baby was healthy, and it made Sheridan think. ‘Luis is going to be the best father. He is never going to be like my father was to me. He is so caring and so kind, and what if my terrible excuse for a father tells us he killed Luis’ father. How can Luis be so caring and wonderful?’ She watched him, eyes glued on the screen to his baby girl. Luis looked down at Sheridan’s stomach, where her little protruding belly was, and rubbed it. He couldn’t believe that his healthy daughter, that he was seeing right there on the screen, was lying safely within his wife. He loved them both so much. Seeing how much Luis cared made Sheridan so emotional. She wished she had a father like Luis, and she was so proud of Luis, for turning out to be the man that he was, even after losing his father. The man that was supposed to be a role model for him, when the day came that he was supposed to have children. Well, that day was here, and Luis was more than perfect, he was the glue that kept this family together, and with his love, Sheridan was sure that she could make it through anything. The doctor printed a picture for them both, and told Sheridan to get some more sleep. Luis told the doctor that Sheridan hardly ate anymore. She even ate less then before she was pregnant. The doctor told Sheridan that she needed nourishment for her and the baby and said that it was just probably nerves that kept her from eating. Now that she knew the baby was healthy, and could walk without assistance, she would probably eat more. Luis thanked the doctor. He hadn’t made eye contact with Sheridan since they stepped inside the office, but when he finally did, he noticed Sheridan was crying. He sat down next to her on the bed, and asked her what was wrong. “How can you be so…” Luis was afraid of what she was going to say. She tried to calm down and started again. “How can you be so perfect? I saw how relieved you looked when you heard the news that the baby was going to be okay. God Luis, I didn’t even realize where I was, or the significance of this visit until I felt you squeeze my hand. That’s when I finally noticed how scared you were. I have neglected you so much. You would have realized I was scared even before we left the house, and I…I can’t even piece my life together anymore. I am so lucky to have you Luis. Please promise me that no matter what my father says you won’t leave me. I need you Luis.” She was crying much harder now. She couldn’t picture her life without Luis in it. Right now he was her lifeline. Luis was shocked at what she just said. He was happy that she was finally out of the weird state she had been in, but shock won out over that. He cupped Sheridan’s face in her hands, and brushed away her tears, and he started crying too. “How can you possibly think that I would ever leave you? I love you so much, and I need you too. Did you know that I wouldn’t even have a reason to wake up in the morning if it weren’t for you, and now the baby? I don’t feel neglected Sheridan. I’m not going to lie to you, I did feel upset with myself that I couldn’t help you these past few days, but have I done something to make you doubt my love for you? If I did something that made you feel like I stopped caring for you, or didn’t want to be with you, then I want to know so I can never do it again. I can’t believe I did something that hurt you like that.” Sheridan realized he had interpreted her words the wrong way. “No Luis, God no, you didn’t do anything to make me doubt my love for you.” Sheridan had stopped crying, but Luis hadn’t, in fact he was crying harder than before, so Sheridan grabbed onto him, and pulled him in her arms. It was now her turn to comfort him; after all he had been doing it for her non-stop now. She rubbed his back, much like he did to her and hugged him very tightly. “I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant it to sound like. I know how much you love the baby, and me but I thought you might be getting tired of loving someone who lately, hasn’t been returning that love. You are too good to me Luis, and I love you so much for it. I haven’t been there for you lately Luis, and I’m sorry for that. I don’t want you to always be brave for me. I want to know your worries too. I want to hear about how your annoying wife hasn’t been letting you get any sleep lately. I want to know what you’re thinking and feeling when you think about the baby, and how we almost lost her, and how we still can. I can’t even tell you how loved I feel when I’m with you because no on has ever loved me that much. You are the best husband, and I know you are going to make the best father in the entire world, so much better than my father ever was to me. Te amo Luis, por siempre.” Sheridan laid Luis’ head on her chest, and placed kisses in his hair, and on his temple. She ran her hand through his hair and the other up and down his arm. Sheridan’s words touched Luis so much, and he needed to be comforted. He had felt so many emotions over the past few weeks, and they were spilling out now. All of his insecurities, and fears needed to come out, and he was going to have a long talk with Sheridan as soon as they got home. He felt so much better now. Having his wife’s arms rapped securely around him, feeling and her soothing words made him realize that she was right. He couldn’t be the only strong one during this pregnancy. They both had to be able to confide in one another and convey their fears, so the other could make them feel better. Luis had calmed down a lot, and felt kind of like a baby for crying like that, but he couldn’t hold it all in much longer, especially since Alistair was going to tell him what happened to his father all those years ago. Five minutes later, Luis sat up and looked at Sheridan. They didn’t need to say anything; they conveyed their feelings through their eyes. Luis leaned in and gave Sheridan a kiss that said thank you. Sheridan winked at him, and got up to put her clothes on. After she was finished, she took the photo and tape from Luis, placed it in her purse and held out her hand for him. “Let’s go show your mother the first picture of her granddaughter.” Sheridan smiled and Luis smiled back, they learned to love each other on a new level that day in the doctor’s office. A day they would never forget. They learned their baby was healthy, they got her first picture, they bonded even more, but they didn’t know they wouldn’t forget that day for another entirely different reason.
The four of them sat there in awe watching the tiny baby. Sheridan put a hand on her stomach idly rubbing it back and forth. Pilar listened happily as Luis explained what they were seeing. Alistair was happy for the chance to see this with one of his grandchildren before he died, although he didn’t want to say it out loud. Alistair looked over at Sheridan and saw her hand on her stomach. He looked back at the TV screen, and then to Luis and Pilar. They all looked so happy. He almost envied them…almost. After the tape had ended Alistair did something that had Sheridan flabbergasted. He put his hand on Sheridan’s and actually gave his daughter a loving look. It was very hard for him, but he used every ounce of strength in him to try and become a wonderful loving father, and grandfather before is time was up. ‘The prospect of death really did change people,’ Alistair thought. Luis and Pilar were shocked as well. This man didn’t have a loving bone in his body, and now he was trying to be Mike freakin’ Brady. Alistair looked up at Luis and said, “Can I have a minute alone with my daughter.” They obliged and left the room, but not before Alistair asked Pilar to call all of her children home.
Alistair faced Sheridan. “I’m sorry Sheridan.” “Sorry for what?” She still wasn’t buying into his little act. She thought it might be a set up, or God knows what, but this was not and would never be typical Alistair Crane behavior. “I’m sorry for not being there for you. I’m sorry for always yelling at you, for taking advantage of your weaknesses to get what I wanted from you. I’m sorry for saying that you are a failure and that no one would ever love, because that is simply not true. You have found someone who loves you. I can tell that Luis loves you unconditionally, and I’m also sorry for trying to break the two of you up. I won’t even tell you about all of the horrible things I’ve done to keep you two apart, and I can’t apologize for everything I did to you as a child, because the accounts of neglects are too numerous to count. But there are two things I am so sincerely remorseful about, and one is that… that I never allowed myself to love you. I loved your mother once, and when she fell ill, I blamed you for everything. I thought loving you would make me a weak man. I was very cold and callous to your mother, but when she became pregnant with you, she became very ill, and the thought of losing her actually stirred a reaction within me, and I hated that. I wanted to be the same cold and ruthless businessman that I always was, and if I allowed someone to break me down, then I couldn’t be the man I THOUGHT I wanted to be. When she died, you reminded me of her, and that upset me more than you will know. I was actually the first person, after the doctor and nurses to hold you Sheridan, and that was the last and only time I did it as well. I resented you. I resented you for taking away your mother, and I resented you for making me have feelings towards you. That’s why I always kept my feelings for you rigid. The second thing that I am sorry for is for what happened that night. The night that your terrible nightmare started. It wasn’t a dream Sheridan, and nothing that happened that night was your fault. I don’t want to have to explain myself twice, so I will wait on the details until all of the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s are here. Sheridan, I will not beg for your forgiveness, but I sincerely hope for it, and for another huge favor. I want to be part of your child’s life. I know I screwed up when it came to you and your brother, but I would like another chance. I want to know my grand daughter. I would very much like to see her grow inside of you, and if I am still alive when she is born, I would like to see her, and get to know her. But most importantly, I would very much like a chance for you and Luis to let me love her.” Alistair was very poised as he recited what was for him a genuine speech. He let little bits of emotion into his voice, as he was not used to doing it often. Sheridan however, was moved to tears. She believed everything her father said to her. She was so emotional, that she couldn’t speak, so she did the only thing she could. She reached over and gave her father a tremendous hug, and Alistair did something he had never done before to her…he returned the gesture of love.
Sheridan pulled back from her first real hug with her father, and said, “It’s not going to be easy father. You did some terrible wretched things to me, but I honestly don’t think I can forgive you for them. However, I can move past them because no matter what you are my father, and you have finally given me the one thing in this world I thought I could never have, and that is your love. I love you father, and I want to make up for the past and I want you in my daughter’s life as well. My entire life I wanted you to love me, can you say it please. Can you please just say it father.” It took Alistair a few minutes to get it out, but it came out and it was music to Sheridan’s ears. “I ….I Love you Sheridan.” “I love you too daddy.” She hugged him again and Luis stepped out of the kitchen to see the two of them embracing. He wasn’t proud of it, but he had eavesdropped on every word from the kitchen, and couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He thought it was some freak dream and he was about to wake up any second, but it wasn’t. Alistair saw Luis enter the room and pulled back sharply. “I need to make a phone call,” he said, and picked up the phone, said it was time and hung up. “Luis, son, can you please ask your family to come in here.” Luis nodded and asked Pilar, Theresa, and Miguel to come into the living room. Everyone took a seat and watched as the front door opened.
Alistair watched on with little remorse, for he knew what it was to have someone ripped that he loved ripped from his life; first Rachel, then Katherine. Luis was torn. He was elated that his father was back, and just in time to see his first grandchild grow and be brought into the world, but he also wanted answers. Thoughts bombarded him at light speed. ‘If Alistair brought my father back, then he must have been the reason papa left in the first place.’ He knew the Crane’s were behind his father’s disappearance, and now he had proof…living proof. ‘My God,’ he thought, ‘papa is still alive.’ Luis turned slightly to see Alistair. His hatred towards Alistair consumed him, and he didn’t even realize he was cutting off all circulation to hand. His hand was wrapped around Sheridan’s wrist so tightly that her arm and hand were turning blue. Sheridan tried to wrap his fingers around his and pry them off, but he wouldn’t budge. He was in another world. Sheridan didn’t want to get Luis excited, so she whispered his name, to get him to release his death grip. “Luis,” no response. She tried again, right in his ear, and nothing. She tried for a third time, twisting and pulling at her arm, but he didn’t budge. The feeling in Sheridan’s arm was practically gone, and all she could feel was pins and needles and then numbness. These feelings sent shocks all through her body. She flashbacked to the night her arms were fastened above her head in the handcuffs. Her arms had gone numb then too. She tried one last time unsuccessfully to jar herself from Luis, but to no avail. She became more and more agitated as the events of her kidnapping relayed in her mind. Now, she was on the verge of hysterical, and she screamed very high-pitched. Luis finally snapped out of his brain fog and saw what he was doing to Sheridan. He immediately let go and apologized. He rubbed her arm and hand to get the circulation back into them. Sheridan just stared at him, like she didn’t know him. Luis had never hurt her before. She knew it was unintentional, but just the same, he had really hurt her, and caused her to relive an experience she never wanted to think about again. Luis elevated Sheridan’s chin so that her eyes were level with his. When he looked in them, he saw tears and something he had never seen before. He couldn’t be sure if it was pain, anger, or fright, but he didn’t like for her to be harboring any of those feelings against him. Sheridan pulled her hand out of Luis’ and put it on her stomach as to ask, ‘how could you do this to me. You love me, I’m carrying your child.’ She felt the need to be out of Luis’ presence and stood on shaky legs and sought refuge in her father of all people. Luis was stunned to say the least. All the attention on Martin had been transferred to Sheridan and Luis, which no one noticed Pilar had passed out in her chair. Luis looked around the room to all of the faces that were staring at him. When he reached his mother however, he sprang to his feet and bent down in front of her. “Mamma, mamma, wake up.” He gently tapped at her face, and she didn’t respond. Martin took this to his advantage and knelt down on the other side of her. He took Pilar’s hand in his, and whispered in her ear, “Querido, abran los ojos por favor.” Pilar’s eyes started to flutter open, and as soon as she was fully alert, she launched herself into Martin’s waiting arms and kissed him passionately. She kissed him for every night she spent alone in her bed, every candle she lit praying for his return, every tear she shed fearing that he would never return, for every time one of her children asked when papa was coming home.” Pilar was heartbroken when Martin left, and now, she felt whole again. Feeling her husband’s strong arms embrace her, smelling his wonderful scent, tasting his tongue as theirs reunited with one another. Luis and the others however, were becoming a little embarrassed by watching their parents making out. Luis cleared his throat loudly enough to get their attention. He didn’t want to break them up, but they could get reacquainted in private, and he wanted some answers on where Martin was all these years, and what Alistair had to do with his leaving. Martin looked at his son. A very handsome man now, with a wife, and Sheridan Crane at that. Martin stood up and hugged Luis tightly to him, and whispered in his ear. “I’m sorry I left son, but I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. You have raised our family well.” That was the last straw for Luis. He knew he was going to start crying and become extremely emotional, or push his father away, and demand an explanation, and Luis chose the latter of the two. Martin gazed at Luis for a second, and then to Alistair, where Sheridan was holding onto her father. He noticed what a beautiful woman she turned out to be.
The silence in the room was deafening. Everyone was waiting for an answer. Martin was just about to suggest everyone sit down, when the VCR rewound itself, and started to play again from the beginning. Martin watched intently on the screen. He knew it was an ultrasound. He looked at his daughters. They were too young to be having babies, and it certainly wasn’t Pilar’s, so he turned to his son for answers. Luis noticed the look on Martin’s face. It was questioning and proud at the same time. Luis shook his head slightly in the affirmative as to confirm it was his baby. Luis would never forget the look of love and admiration in his father’s eyes at that moment. He also realized from those looks that Martin did not leave willingly. He never would have wanted to miss events like these in his children’s lives. Martin took the lead for he knew his interrogation would start now. Martin said he needed a glass of water before he continued, and asked that everyone be seated. Sheridan walked over to Luis. ‘Thank God,’ Luis thought. ‘She can’t be that mad at me.’ Sheridan turned her face upwards and Luis caught her beautiful blue gaze. He noticed trepidation, sadness, and forgiveness in them. He pulled her closely to him, and whispered in her ear. “I am so sorry baby, I don’t know what got into me. As soon as my father fills on in on where his been for the last fifteen years, I will get you home and make up for everything that has happened today.” They walked over to the couch and sat down again. Sheridan was so scared at what Martin was about to say, that she threw his arms around Luis’ waist and buried her head in his neck. Martin stepped out of the kitchen ready to reveal is tale. The tale that everyone, for the rest of their lives, would believe as truth but in actuality, wasn’t.
~Martin’s explanation~
“ I’ll never forget that night for as long as I live. Alistair had called me in to oversee a business transaction. Apparently he took control over the floundering company and was preparing to shut it down, and then when he sold it off in pieces he would make more than triple what he paid to obtain it. The man, I believe his name was Alfred Meyer, (Alistair shook his head and confirmed the name) had requested a meeting that very night to give Alistair a piece of his mind. I was called in to take notes and bear witness to anything that was said. Meyer was furious he screamed curses and threats at the top of his lungs. I swear they could have woken the whole house up. Unfortunately for Sheridan, it did wake her up. But that comes later. The man threatened to kill everyone in the Crane family, starting with Julian. I feared the man had too much to drink and was very distraught at loosing a company that had been in his family for generations. After the man had called Alistair every name in the book, and pleaded to not shut down the company, Mr. Crane had him escorted off the premises by a couple of guards. Afterwards, Alistair and I conversed about then man’s outlandish behavior. Mr. Crane advised me that the man needed to be taken care of, and silenced. I agreed and we were making arrangements to either pay him off, or offer him a job in on of the Crane facilities. After our conversation was finished, I went through the main foyer to leave the house. It was there that I saw Sheridan. Sheridan, I do not know what happened up until then, and I have wondered about it for years, maybe you can fill me in. Please.” Sheridan looked at Luis and he gave her a reassuring squeeze, and she began. “I heard some noises, and I walked downstairs to see what was going on. It was very cold, like someone had left a window opened, and that’s when I saw him. His figure was twisting in the shadows of the blowing curtains from the window.” Sheridan was now sobbing quietly as she remembered the horrific details of that night. “He frightened me, and I grabbed a letter opener. The next events are so shady. I remember hiding, and then there is this big blank. The next thing I remember is staring at a corpse under a bloody sheet, with the letter opener sticking out of him. I looked down at my hands and they were covered in blood. I couldn’t see the mans face, but I assumed it was Martin Fitzgerald, because that’s the same night he disappeared.” Sheridan was reliving the night again, and it scared her so much. Luis realized he had to pull her out of it, for her safety and for the baby’s. Luis leaned over and whispered in her ear, hoping it would bring her back to reality. “Sheridan, sweetie you’re fine. You didn’t hurt anyone; look my father is standing right her in front of you. He’s alive, and he’s fine. Look Sheridan.” He shook her make her focus on his father. “Look Sheridan, he’s fine. Everyone is okay, and you didn’t do anything. Do you remember where you are? Sheridan, look, you’re in mamma’s house. Everyone is fine. You have calm down for the baby Sheridan.” Luis pulled Sheridan’s hand, which she thought was still covered in blood, down to her stomach. He rested his hand atop of it and rubbed it back and forth. “You have to stay strong for the baby Sheridan.” Sheridan still wasn’t back. “But daddy said it was all my fault. He said no one would ever love me if they found out what I did.” Luis wanted to slug Alistair for saying those things. “Your father is here Sheridan, he didn’t mean it. I love you, you know that right. Mamma and Miguel and Theresa, and Ethan, we all love you.” Sheridan shook her head vehemently. “No, daddy said no one would love me.” Luis glared at Alistair angrily. “Would you please tell her this isn’t her fault and you didn’t mean what you said?" He whispered harshly. Alistair put a comforting hand on his daughters back. “No, Sheridan, I was mistaken. Nothing was your fault. I was just angry at the time, but none of this is your fault, and Luis is right, people do love you. You aren’t unlovable Sheridan.” Sheridan looked at Alistair. “But you said, no one would love me, and you’re never wrong daddy.” “I am this time Sheridan, because not only does Luis love you, so do… (He cleared his throat) so do I. I love you Sheridan” “Really daddy, do you mean it?” Alistair shook his head. “Yes Sheridan, I mean it.” Sheridan threw her arms around her father and held onto him tightly. Her father had always said he did things because he loved her, but never did he say I love you. Sheridan felt life couldn’t possible be any better than it was at that moment. She finally gained the one thing she never thought she would obtain from her father…Love. It was the happiest day of her life. She pulled back from her father and wiped the tears from her face, and turned around to face Luis. “Did you hear that Luis, he said he loved me?” Sheridan said in an astonished tone. They hugged and Luis unenthusiastically said, “Yeah baby, I heard it.” “I think I can fill in those gaps for you Sheridan.” Martin spoke up. “When I walked back into the foyer I heard you screaming for help, and struggling to get away from Meyer. It was obvious that he had snuck back into the house, by way of the window, and was attacking Sheridan. He wasn’t trying to kill her, at least not yet. He was trying to rape her. He was kissing her and saying terrible dirty things to her. He had his hands all over her and poor little Sheridan couldn’t do anything to stop it. As soon as I saw this I started walking over to help Sheridan, but he saw me coming and pulled Sheridan in front of him and held a knife to her throat. He told me to just leave, that he was going to make Alistair’s daughter dirty, so that she would be tainted for life. He wanted to ruin Sheridan; the way Alistair ruined him and his family. I looked at Sheridan, tears were streaming down her face, and she was shaking terribly. She mouthed the words ‘help me’ to me, and I just wanted to beat the man senseless. I remember Alistair handing me a gun that night in the library, after Meyer left. He said I would need it for protection in case he came after my family or me. I didn’t want anything to happen to my family, I love you so much, so I took it. I didn’t even know how to shoot that well, but I figured it would scare him off. I guess Sheridan saw that I had the gun, or thought I would go after the man, so she raised the letter opener that was in her hands and stabbed the man in the stomach. He dropped her and she scrambled to her feet. As she tried to run in my direction, Meyer grabbed at her leg, and she hit her head on the coffee table. When I saw him lunge for her again, I knew I had to stop him, so I picked up my gun, aimed it, and shot him. I hit him clean in the head. I didn’t realize what I had done, I was shocked beyond belief. I couldn’t believe I had just killed someone. I sank to my knees. I saw Sheridan on the ground, bleeding, and went to help her. Alistair came in the room when he heard the shot. He walked in from behind the man and saw that he was dead on the floor. He asked me what happened, and I told him everything. Alistair said that he would never tell anyone what went on the night, but I insisted that we go to the police. Mr. Crane flat out told me no. If anyone ever got wind of this, the tabloids would eat it up, and I would go to jail for the rest of my lifer for murder. I pleaded my case with him, but he said that if I even considered going to the police, it would destroy my family, and he was right. Just then, Sheridan started to wake up. Alistair told me to wait in his library for him. The next thing I knew, there was a coffin in the living room, and the body was being placed in it for burial. Alistair said that what happened that night had severely shocked Sheridan, and that he was sending her to a psychiatrist in Paris. Alistair told me in agreement for keeping his mouth shut, that I killed Meyer, I would have to fly to Paris with Sheridan, and hide out for a few months, until all the mess was settled, and no one would ever suspect anything if they came to the house searching for Meyer. I reluctantly agreed. I hated leaving you, but I knew this was something I needed to do. I didn’t want you to be without a father for the rest of your life, although it certainly turned out that way didn’t it? Anyway, while I was in Paris, a car, on a tiny back road, not far from the hideout where I was staying, hit me. Neighbor found me, and from what I was told, I was in a coma until three weeks ago. Alistair had no way of finding me, because the people that found me took me with them to a missionary in Rome. When I woke up, I remembered everything. I contacted Alistair, and told him I wanted to be reunited with my family. Mr. Crane readily agreed, and arraigned for me to come home. I was so scared you would all hate me for leaving, but I had no other choice. And now, looking at Sheridan, I knew I had to protect Sheridan. If that man did anything to her, she wouldn’t be carrying my precious grandchild.”
Everyone was in tears, all except for Alistair. Sheridan stood up, and reached for Martin. She collapsed in his arms. “I don’t know how I can ever thank you.” “You already have, by making my son so happy, and bringing his child into the world.” Luis stood up. “Daughter.” Martin looked at Luis confused. “What?” “We’re having a girl.” Satisfied with the explanation Martin described, Luis was finally able to rejoice in his father’s return. All three hugged tightly. “I’m so glad you’re home papa.” Said Luis, the lump his throat almost preventing the words. All the other Lopez-Fitzgerald’s got up and joined the enormous family hug, filled with love, and joy. Alistair watched on, knowing the real truth why Martin had left, but he would never tell anyone. The secret would die with him. Not only was he now thought of as a kind man for preventing a beloved family member a life time in jail, Martin’s account helped to reiterate his new found attitude towards life. And for the last few months of his life, that’s how he wanted everyone to remember him.
~Alistair’s flashback~
Everything occurred the way Martin had explained, up until the point about giving Martin a gun. Alistair had done no such thing. Martin had walked out into the living room, and saw Sheridan and Meyer struggling. Sheridan’s screams for help when she saw Martin pulled Alistair from his library. Alistair saw what was happening and walked around the foyer, so that he came up behind Meyer. Martin shook his head to Sheridan motioning that everything was going to be okay, and that he was going to help her. At seeing this, Sheridan raised the letter opener that was in her hands and stabbed the man in the stomach. He dropped her and she scrambled to her feet. As she tried to run in Martin’s direction, Meyer grabbed at her leg, and she hit her head on the coffee table. That’s when Alistair raised his gun and shot Meyer in the back of the head. Martin was stunned. Alistair told him to wait in the library, that he needed to take care of things. Everything happened to Sheridan the way Martin described it, except he didn’t realize Alistair was blaming the child, to save his own neck, and to manipulate her. Alistair knew he could use this for years to come.
Martin walked into the living room, and saw them place the body in a casket. Martin told Alistair he had to go to the police, and if Alistair didn’t, he would. Alistair explained that if Martin went to the police, he would be ruined, but Martin didn’t care, he wanted to do the right thing. Alistair had no other choice but to drug Martin, and his daughter, and put them on a plain to Paris. As soon as they arrived, Sheridan was sent to physiatrists to make her believe that night was all a nightmare, and to brainwash her. However, since she was so young, it didn’t work as planned. It did work on Martin though. Martin was hypnotized, and his memories were altered into the ones that he just explained to his family. The hypnosis took a few years, for Martin’s reluctance had slowed down the process considerably. The doctors had decided to drug Martin into an induced coma. Then, they could feed him subliminal messages, and keep him hidden until a time came when Alistair thought his return was safe, or needed. After Alistair realized he had an incurable disease, he realized he didn’t want to die the way his wife did. He wanted someone to love him, and using Martin, as tool would only speed up that process.
After the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s had calmed down from the initial shock, and the tears were almost dry, Martin asked everyone to tell him absolutely everything. Pilar said, “It can wait until dinner, Theresa, Paloma, can you please help me.” “But we want to stay with papa,” Theresa exclaimed. “If you need help, I can help you Pilar.” Sheridan said. Luis pulled her in his arms. “Oh no you don’t, you need your rest, you’ve had too much excitement for one day.” Sheridan rubbed her tummy and agreed. “For once, I think you may be right Luis, I am feeling a little fatigued.” Luis immediately scooped her up into his arms. “I knew it, you’re going to bed.” Luis started to carry Sheridan upstairs, but she protested. “Luis, can I please stay downstairs, I don’t want to be alone.” “You won’t be alone Sheridan, I will stay with you.” He started heading up the stairs. “But Luis, don’t you want to spend time with your father? Please, I’ll take a nap on the couch. Please. Pretty Please.” She was placing feather light kisses on his neck, and he just couldn’t resist her. Also, she was right, he did want to stay with his father. He didn’t know why, but he had the feeling like Martin would disappear if he didn’t keep his eyes on him at all times. Luis turned around and brought Sheridan to the couch. He sat her down gently and gave her a comfy pillow, and threw a blanket over her. When he was finished, he noticed that Pilar and the girls were still arguing. He walked over to them. “Theresa, Paloma, papa is not going anywhere, and I think Sheridan could use the peace and quiet, so please go in the kitchen and help mamma.” He escorted them both in and said “Thank you,” before shutting the door. Martin looked at Luis. “My Luis, you really have become the head of the house. I’m so sorry I threw all that on your shoulders.” “Hey, papa,” Luis said comfortingly. “None of that was your fault, you saved Sheridan and then you had an unfortunate accident. It couldn’t be avoided.” Martin put his hand on his sons back. “Thank You Luis, but if I had to do it all over again, I would still have saved Sheridan.” Martin said motioning to her. She was sound asleep on the couch. “Especially now that I know how much she means to you.” Luis walked over to Sheridan and brushed the hair off her forehead and kissed her. She sighed contently in her sleep. “She is my angel papa. I’m so glad that you rescued her. For that I will be eternally grateful.”
Both men realized Alistair had left, but never saw when. ‘Oh well, it doesn’t matter.’ Martin thought. Martin searched the room again. “Where did Miguel run off to?” Luis chuckled a bit. “He probably went to his second home at the Bennett’s to see Charity.” “Oh Luis, I have missed this town so much. I can’t wait to see Sam, and Hank, and Ben.” Luis looked down solemnly. Boy did his father have a lot of catching up to do. “Uh papa, Ben Bennett is dead. He has been for a while now.” “Oh, well, I guess you have to tell me everything that has happened, but right now, I want to see that ultrasound of your baby girl.” Luis smiled proudly and sat down on the floor next to Sheridan, and watched the video with is father. Luis planted his palm on Sheridan’s stomach, feeling that what was on the screen was in his wife’s tummy. He was still adjusting to the fact that another life was growing inside his beautiful wife, especially because she had just started to get a little belly, practically no bigger than she was. He explained what everything was, and told his father that Sheridan and the baby were doing better than expected. “What do you mean Luis? Was she at risk for a miscarriage?” “It’s a long story papa.” “Well Luis, what do you say that tomorrow I come over and see your home and we have a long talk? I want to know all about how you and Sheridan fell in love, starting from the first moment you laid eyes on each other. Even though I remember the first time you two saw each other like it was yesterday.” “What do you mean papa? Sheridan and I met four years ago.” “No you didn’t Luis, you met twenty years ago, but I think I’ll save that story for tomorrow.” Just then, a wonderful smell wafted through the kitchen and into the living room. “Mmm, it smells like your mother is still the best cook ever.” “Oh she is.” Pilar walked out of the kitchen and walked over to her husband. He gave her a firm kiss on the lips and they linked hands. “What is that I smell?” Martin asked. “Well, (Pilar started with a huge smile) I fixed all of your favorites. Empanadas, Casadias, Gazpacho, and…” But before Pilar had finished they all heard Sheridan moan, place a hand on her stomach, and run for the bathroom. Luis finished the sentence for his mother. “Lasagna.”
Luis returned to the kitchen and sat down and ate a family dinner, one that included his father and Paloma. What a change. “Why isn’t Sheridan joining us?” Pilar asked. Luis proceeded to tell the story about the lasagna. When he was done, everyone was in hysterics. “She made you take off all your clothes AND take a shower.” Theresa stated. “That is so funny Luis.” Paloma added. Pilar and Martin smiled a knowing smile to one another. They were holding hands underneath the table, and just couldn’t stop grinning. Martin shared a memory with his family. It felt so good to be with them, and reminisce. “When your mother was pregnant with you Luis, all she would eat was ice cream. She made me go out in the dead of winter to get it once, and when I came back smelling of tacos, she practically threw me out the window. The smell made her so sick. I had to go without tacos for nine months.” Luis laughed at how similar their experiences were, but he decided it was time to get Sheridan home. “I really don’t want to leave mamma, papa, but I really should be getting Sheridan home. She’s had a long day, and I would really fell better if she was home, asleep, and hooked up to her monitors.” Pilar got up and gave Luis a hug. “Of course Luis, Sheridan should be resting as much as possible, besides, it will be nice to have your father to myself for a while. Goodnight Luis.” “Bye mamma.” Martin and Luis started walking upstairs to get Sheridan. “Papa, don’t forget you promised to come over tomorrow.” “I promise Luis, I will be over at your house bright and early, well, maybe not that early, it is my first night back with your mother.” Luis blushed a million shades of crimson, and tried to block the mental images he was getting of his parents ‘doing it’ out of his head. “That’s more than I wanted to know papa.” Luis entered his old bedroom slowly, and Sheridan was sound asleep. Martin watched the sleeping angel. “She is so beautiful Luis. You are one lucky man.” “I know papa, she is gorgeous, but that’s only one of the reasons why I love her. I don’t know what I did to make God bless me with her.” Luis carefully picked her up and walked down the stairs with her. She stirred a little when Martin placed her jacket on her. “Luis.” “I’m right here baby.” “Where are we going?” “We’re going home sweetie, just go back to sleep.” She did, and Luis buckled her seatbelt. He gave his father one last hug. “Don’t forget, my house, tomorrow. Bye papa.” “Bye Luis.” Martin watched Luis’ car pull out of the driveway and disappear out of sight.
Martin turned around and walked in the house. He was looking forward to spending the night with his family. He walked into the kitchen and saw Pilar putting the last of the dishes away. He walked up from behind her and kissed her cheek. “Where are the kids?” Pilar turned around and wrapped her arms around Martin’s neck. “Well, Theresa went to show Paloma around, and then they decided to spend the night at Whitney’s, and Miguel went to the Bennett’s. Charity has been having some terrible nightmares, so he’s been spending the night over there, to make calm her down. He’s over there so often, we should just pack up all of his clothes and move him in.” They both laughed. Martin crouched down, to be eye level with Pilar, and placed his arms around her waist, and pulled her in close to him. “So, that means we have the house to ourselves tonight.” “Si, y yo quiero besar tu cuerpo todo.” Pilar said in a very sexy voice. “Oh sweetheart, I’m so glad I’m home. I missed you so much” “Y yo, Martin, yo tambien.” Martin pulled Pilar into an intense kiss. He then did something that surprised them both; he lifted Pilar into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. He laid her down softly on the bed, and gently laid himself over her. They kissed so passionately. They had a lot of lost time to make up for. Loving kisses turned frantic. Pilar whispered how she missed him holding her, making love to her. “You don’t have to miss it anymore.” Martin said sensually. They then proceeded to make love. It was something that they had only shared with each other, and now, could continue to share for the rest of their lives. It was the most beautiful day of their lives.
True to his word, Martin called Luis early in the morning (but not too early, wink, wink) to give them an hours notice, before the family came over. Sheridan was still sleeping when Martin called at nine thirty. Luis wanted to take another calming shower with Sheridan, but he figured it best to let her sleep. When his family came over, Sheridan was still sleeping, and Luis did not expect to literally see ALL of his family, plus some. Martin, Pilar, Paloma, Theresa, Ethan, Miguel, Charity, and for some odd reason, Hank. Luis opened the door, and ushered everyone in. “Oh Luis, this is a huge, beautiful house, how did you ever afford something like this?” Seeing the slightly angry glint in Luis’ eyes made him realize that Sheridan had paid for it, so he changed the subject. “Where is that beautiful wife of yours?” This brightened Luis’ mood. “She’s still sleeping papa, (Luis looked down at the monitors on his belt) and comfortably I might add.” “What’s that Luis?” Martin asked. Luis really didn’t feel like answering questions yet, so he asked if they wanted some breakfast. Knowing his mother, no one left the house without eating first, but with all of the excitement of Martin back, no one had eaten. Pilar and the girls went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, and Luis stuck his head in. “Oh, and mamma, nothing with cheese.” All the girls giggled, and Luis went back out into the living room, with the men. “So papa, have you seen the town yet?” “Yes, we did take a little tour, and I saw the Bennett’s and the Russell’s. I didn’t see Beth though. When I found out I was in a coma four fifteen years, I kind of expected to come back and see you married to Beth with a dozen children.” Luis’s whole body tensed up, and he clenched his fists at the mention of Beth’s name. He still remembered what Sam had told him a few days ago, about not being able to find Beth anywhere. After Sam had gotten the coffee analyzed, he had confirmed that it was poisoned with more of the same drugs administered to Sheridan before. Beth must have realized they had pegged her for the crime, and left town.
Luis was about to recount his tale of that night to his father. Actually, he had to break the news to everyone that Beth was the kidnapper. The doorbell rang, and Luis answered it hurriedly, for fear of waking Sheridan up. There stood all of Luis’ close friends; Sam, Grace, TC, Eve, and all their children, and Chad. They were toting balloons and cake and ice cream, and pictures galore. What Theresa and Paloma had neglected to tell Luis was that they had planned a surprise welcome back party at his house. Luis stepped aside, and told everyone to be quiet. After counting fifteen people, not including himself, or Sheridan, Luis concluded that the party needed to be moved to the upstairs parlor. There was more room, and this way no one would wake Sheridan up. Luis ushered all of his guests upstairs, and went to check on Sheridan. Luis opened the door carefully, and saw his sleeping angel in bed. She always brought a smile to his lips. Luis placed a kiss on her forehead, and she didn’t budge. He couldn’t believe she was still sleeping soundly, she must have needed the sleep. Luis checked the machines she was hooked up to, and walked upstairs to join the others. Luis or anyone for that matter didn’t know Sheridan was still asleep because she had been chloroformed.
It had been two hours later, and Beth new Sheridan would regain consciousness. Sheridan awoke to find herself gagged, with her hands tied together. She saw someone moving out of the corner of her eye. It was Beth, and she was clicking some sort of lock on the bedroom door. The next thing Sheridan saw was the lights of the clocks and other electric devices turn off. It was winter, so the days were shorter, and it was sunset outside, and becoming hard to see inside. Beth walked over to Sheridan. Sheridan was so frightened, but tried to remain calm for the baby’s sake. Just then, Beth lifted up Sheridan’s shirt, and Sheridan thought she would kill the baby this time for sure. She remembered telling Luis that she thought Beth kidnapped her, but she wasn’t sure if he believed her or not. Now, he would have to. Beth reached down and tore the electric panels off of Sheridan’s stomach, and hooked them up to a computer. Beth knew that the monitors had a backup batteries, and didn’t want Luis to become suspicious and come running downstairs immediately looking for Sheridan. She needed some time to run back outside through the window with the new automatic lock that Beth had been installing on every window, door, and vent that led into the room where ‘princess Sheridan’ laid. Beth climbed back out the window, after sufficiently tying Sheridan’s bound hands to the bed. She ran around to back door, and walked in, considering she had unlocked it earlier while everyone was upstairs. She couldn’t have asked for better circumstances. She took the back staircase upstairs, and hid in a spare room, listening to the conversation the frightened people were having in the next room. There, she waited, knife in hand, ready to unfurl her plan.
Martin and Sam walked downstairs to the basement. It was pitch dark and hard to see, as they descended down the stairs. Sam held the flashlight, and led the way down. They rounded the corner at the base of the stairs, and turned to wall, and found the circuit breaker. Just as Sam was about to open the box that contained the breakers, Martin and he heard a loud scuffling behind them. They both turned in the direction the sound came from. Martin led out a slight chuckle and stated, “It must have just been a mouse or something.” Sam again tried to open the box, when he heard a large thump. Sam jerked his around. “Martin, martin, where are you.” Just then, the batteries to his flashlight died, and the light went dead. “Crap.” The door to the basement slammed shut, and Sam nearly jumped out of his skin. Now, he really couldn’t see. Sam banged the flashlight and nothing. He walked cautiously, with his hands against the wall, until he reached the stairs. Or at least Sam thought he was at the stairs. It was so dark, he just couldn’t tell. Sam took another step, and found himself flying in the air, falling backwards. Sam hit his head on the hard cement floor. He groaned, and as he sat up, rubbed the back of his head, where he was sure he was going to have a huge bump. Sam silently cursed himself for being such a klutz, and tried to find out what he slipped on. Sam put his hands on the floor, and moved them around and felt some sort of slippery substance. At that moment, the batteries on the flashlight decided to work, and Sam saw himself, and the floor covered in blood.
Theresa and Paloma were in den, looking for candles. It was hard to see, and the bumped into things along the way. Theresa finally made her way to the closet where she found a box of candles and matches. She handed some to herself, and then some to Paloma. Both if them lit a candle of their own, and started moving back into the living room. As the girls entered the living room, a draft blew the candles out. The girls immediately became frightened, and hastily tried to relight their candles. Theresa had just about gotten hers lit, when the basement door slammed shut. They whirled around to see that nobody was there. “The breeze must have slammed it shut Paloma, there’s nothing to be scared about.” Paloma didn’t answer her. “Paloma, PALOMA,” Theresa continued in a frightened voice. With extremely shaky hands Theresa relit her candle, and turned around in a circle to find that Paloma was no longer in the room with her.
Luis walked down to Sheridan’s room, and decided to stop in the kitchen to get her a glass of water. He didn’t want her to become dehydrated, and he wanted to wake her up. She had slept for entirely too long. Luis did not have a hard time finding his way around, as it was his house. He walked over to the bedroom door, and turned the handle. ‘Hmm, that’s funny, I didn’t lock this door.’ He figured maybe Sheridan was getting dressed and didn’t want anyone to walk in on her, so he knocked lightly. “Sheridan.” He said softly. “Sheridan, are you in there?” No answer. “Sheridan.” He spoke louder, figuring she might have fallen back asleep and forgot to unlock the door. “Sheridan, Sheridan sweetheart, its Luis, please open the door.” Luis was becoming very panicky. He knocked very loud this time. She would have to hear him this time. “Sheridan, open this door now.” He tried the handle again and it didn’t budge. He ran to the connecting bathroom, and hoped he could get in that way. He was imagining all sorts of horrible things happening to her and the baby. He tried the handle…locked. Luis slammed his hand against the door. “DAMN IT.” He banged on it again. “Sheridan, Sheridan baby please. Are you okay? Sheridan, can you hear me?” He was hysterical now, and tried to break down the door. He slammed his body against the door three times, no luck. He ran to the other door, thinking that one might be easier to break down. No luck. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out how all the doors ended up being locked. He banged and screamed at the door. ‘Sheridan just has to be all right’, Luis thought. “Sheridan baby, it’s Luis, please open up. Are you okay? Are you hurt?” With every ounce of strength in his body, he gathered up a huge breath and bellowed…”SHERIDAN.” He was so loud, the walls practically shook. The next thing he knew, he was heading towards the floor, and blackness consumed him.
A loud rumbling noise reached it’s way into the parlor, to further scare it’s occupants. Kay, Charity and Miguel, clutched each other harder, Jessica sought shelter in the Reese’s armpit, and Simone and Whitney squeezed each other’s hands until the circulation was almost cut off. Ethan had had enough of this nonsense, and he called downstairs to TC and Chad. He didn’t get an answer. He turned to everyone and said, “If I don’t come back in two minutes, then something’s wrong, and I want someone to dial 911.” They all shook their heads in agreement, and Ethan left the room. He walked to the top of the stairs and yelled, “TC, Chad, are you guys okay. Listen, if you’re trying to scare everyone half to death, then you have succeeded.” He heard a voice whisper, “Oh trust me, no one will be scared HALF to death Ethan.” Ethan whipped around and didn’t see anything. He thought maybe the electricity had come on and a TV or radio was on, or he heard someone talking from downstairs and misconstrued it. He was telling himself anything to calm his frazzled nerves, but when he turned around, he was staring straight into the face of another human being. All the air left his lungs, and his heart rate sped up. He tried to scream, run, anything, but he was so shocked and terrified, that he didn’t have to time to react before something seared his flesh, and he was passed out.
“That’s it,” Grace said. “He said two minutes, and it has now been eight. Something is definitely not right.” “You’re right aunt Grace. I have an awful feeling that everyone in this house is doomed.” Charity stated. Miguel looked at her cautiously, thinking whether to believe her or not. Her feelings had always been right on the money before. He slowly walked over to the phone and picked it up. Miguel put the phone to his ear, and reached down to dial the numbers. Nothing! The phone was dead. He looked up and gave Pilar a distraught look. “What is it mijo.” “The Phone’s dead!”
Theresa and Paloma entered the living room just in time for a draft to blow their candles out. The girls immediately became frightened, and hastily tried to relight their candles. Theresa had just about gotten hers lit, when the basement door slammed shut. They whirled around to see that nobody was there. Beth had crawled around the couch, to not be seen, and grabbed Paloma. She immediately injected her in the neck, and Paloma’s vocal chords were frozen. Beth pulled Paloma out of the room, and into the bathroom by the kitchen, where she tied her hands to the faucet. Paloma was so frightened, she was sure she was going to pass out. After securing Paloma’s arms, Beth left the room, and locked the door. She then went looking for her next victim, her favorite victim.
Beth watched from the end of the hallway as Luis desperately tried to get to Sheridan. ‘Damn her, look at the spell she’s got over him. Well not anymore, after I get done with them, Luis is going to love only me,’ Beth thought to herself. She slowly crept over to where Luis was desperately trying to get the door open. When she heard Luis bellow, it scared her, and the needle that was only inches away from his skin jabbed Luis. The drug took effect immediately, and the next thing Luis knew, he was heading towards the floor, and blackness consumed him.
Beth was heading back into the living room, after her little break. Turning Luis’ house into a house of terror was certainly more strenuous than Beth had thought it would be, but she wasn’t going to let anything stop her from getting the man she loved. Beth rounded the stairs from behind, holding her tranquilizer gun in her hand and aiming it at Theresa. “Paloma, PALOMA,” Theresa continued in a frightened voice. With extremely shaky hands Theresa relit her candle, and turned around in a circle to find that Paloma was no longer in the room with her. Beth took aim, and had just pulled the trigger when she heard Chad and TC coming down the stairs. She couldn’t tell if she had hit Theresa, or if she had missed, from the distraction the two men coming down the stairs had caused. It didn’t matter, Beth didn’t have time to inspect, and she had to act fast. When Chad’s ankle was in her sights, she grabbed it. Startled, scared, and missing a step caused Chad to take a hard tumble, one that had knocked him unconscious at the base of the stairs. Theresa had regained her senses and realized that she had been SHOT. Running for her life, and screaming, hoping someone would help her, she ascended the stairs faster than any professional runner, and ran smack into a wall of human flesh. Not only did it cause her to follow the example Chad had set, but TC too. Beth was in hysterics. Watching this whole little scene, of Theresa and TC, and tumbling down the stairs, was too funny. When Theresa and TC were lying stably on the bottom, by Chad, Beth walked over to check on them. Apparently she had good aim, because Theresa did indeed have a tranquilizer dart in her thigh, and was knocked out. TC however, had survived his fall with little injury, so Beth did the only thing she could. She ran over to the mantle, picked up a candlestick, and hit TC…hard.
Beth dragged each body into the den, and locked it up. There was no way anyone was getting out before she got what she wanted. Beth then climbed the stairs to lock the doors to the parlor. When she reached the top, Ethan came walking out of the parlor. She pushed herself against the wall opposite of the stairs, and waited for Ethan to walk right into her hands. Ethan walked to the top of the stairs and yelled, “TC, Chad, are you guys okay. Listen, if you’re trying to scare everyone half to death, then you have succeeded.” Beth knew this was her opportunity, and walked up behind Ethan and said, “Oh trust me, no one will be scared HALF to death Ethan.” Ethan whipped around and didn’t see anything. Beth then tiptoed in front of him, onto the first stair. When Ethan turned around, he was staring straight into her. All the air left Ethan’s lungs, and his heart rate sped up. He tried to scream, run, anything, but he was so shocked and terrified, that he didn’t have time to react. Beth pulled out her trusty knife, and stabbed Ethan in the stomach. He fell forward, and was sprawled across the top of the stairs. Satisfied with her work, Beth went to the parlor and heard Miguel’s voice saying, “the phone’s dead.” Knowing that she had nabbed Eve’s cell phone, and she was the only one in the group that had one, Beth was extremely proud of herself. She took the silence; of everyone realizing they were really in trouble to slam the doors closed and scared them even more. She heard screams, and pounding on the door. She knew they weren’t going to get out. She then opened a can of sleeping gas, and threw it in the room through the heating vent. Now that they were all taken care of, and no one could run for help, she stepped over Ethan’s body and went to take care of what she really came for…
Sheridan saw the door to the bedroom open. She hoped it was Luis, coming to save her. The first person she saw was Luis. “Oh thank God, Luis…” The words died on her mouth when she saw Beth pushing his body from behind. Luis’ body dropped to the floor with a loud thud, and Beth turned around and locked the door again. “Whew,” Beth said, wiping her brow. “Is he heavy or what? It must be all that muscle, but hey I’m not complaining, (Beth leaned down and rubbed her hand over Luis’ washboard abs), he’s so toned, I love it.” She then placed a kiss on his lips. “And I love him.” She stood up. “I love him Sheridan,” she screamed, and kicked the bed. “I love him, do you understand. I love him not you. I should be the one carrying his babies.” Beth pushed the hair off of her face, and noticed Sheridan crying. Beth sat on the bed right by Sheridan. “Aww, don’t cry precious, you’ll find someone else who loves you. Luis, I, and the babies, are going to live happily ever after, and you are going to find someone who wants you for the shell of a loser you are.” Her voice grew in volume with each word, and she raised her hands above Sheridan’s stomach. Sheridan thought she was going to hit her so hard. She wanted to cry for Luis, but figured it would make Beth madder. Beth was about to slam her fists into Sheridan’s stomach, when it dawned on her. ‘Hank, Hank loves Sheridan.’ Beth lowered her hands and retrieved a tissue for Sheridan. She held it to her face, and dried her tears. She then patted her stomach, and put her head on it. “Don’t worry baby, mommy loves you, and I will make you and daddy very happy. I’m sorry you won’t be able to see aunt Sheridan, but I think she may resent our loving family just a little.” Beth stood up abruptly and grabbed Luis. She threw him on the bed, and fashioned his shackles. There was no way he was going to be able to break them either. Beth had put a lot of thought into this, and Luis’ strength was taken into account when selecting all of the ‘accessories.’ After Beth was sure Luis was secured, she opened his mouth, and threw two pills and water down his throat. Luckily, he had swallowed and not choked on them. Beth then raced upstairs, and came back to the bedroom, dragging Hank with her. “Remember when I said someone would love you Sheridan, well I’ve found him. Hank, Hank loves you.” She was about to go into more detail when Luis started to wake up. Beth walked over to him, “Here, sweetheart, drink this.” Luis swallowed some water and was completely coherent within minutes. Luis took in the scene around him. “My God, what is going on?” When he saw Beth looking at him lovingly, all his questions were answered.
“What are you doing Beth?” Beth sexily sat next to Luis and rubbed the buttons of Luis’ shirt. “I knew we couldn’t just tell Sheridan that you two were getting a divorce, and that you and I were getting married, so I had to show her. I had to show her that you love me and that we are going to raise our baby together. Poor Sheridan wouldn’t take my word for it. She didn’t say anything, but I could see it in her eyes, love. I even found someone to take your place.” Beth pointed to the floor, and saw Hank lying there, unconscious. “Aren’t you proud of me Luis?” Luis was stunned. “Proud, PROUD…” “Luis don’t!” Sheridan interrupted. Beth backhanded Sheridan, and Luis pulled at his restraints, trying to get loose. “Don’t ever talk to my Luis like that you bitch.” “Beth,” Luis yelled. “Don’t talk to Sheridan like that. I love her, not you. You are deranged. I love Sheridan, and Sheridan and I are going to raise OUR baby together.” Beth seemed unfazed by his words. “Luis, I know the drug I gave you has it’s side effects, and this is just one of them. You love me, not Sheridan. And now, we are going to prove that.” Beth straddled Luis and started to kiss him. She kissed his chin, his neck, smelled his hair. When she started to unbutton Luis’ shirt, he snapped back into reality. “What are you doing Beth?” Luis asked trying to wiggle out from underneath her. “I told you silly, we are going to show Sheridan how much we love each other. She doesn’t believe that you love me more than her, so we have to make love.” “WHAT!!!” Sheridan and Luis screamed in unison. “Yes, we have to make love, in front of Sheridan to prove to her that we are meant to be. Our love is real, and she needs to see that.” “Beth, I don’t love you, I love Sheridan, and we can’t make love. There is no way that this is going to work. There is no way that my body is going to respond to you the way you want it to. Making love is impossible.” Luis stated adamantly. Beth kissed Luis tenderly and said, “I knew you might have a little performance anxiety, by having so many people watch, and I wanted to help you out.” “What are you talking about Beth help me out?” “While you were sleeping Luis, I gave you Viagra!!!
‘No wait, you are.’ Luis thought, but he didn’t dare say it aloud. Beth continued her seduce Luis plan. She unbuttoned all the buttons to Luis’ shirt, and was now caressing his chest. She ran her hands up and down, feeling his gloriously chiseled body. She then proceeded to kiss and lick Luis all over. Luis thought he was going to be sick. Her kisses and touches were like acid, tearing at his flesh, and his heart. He turned his head to the side to look at Sheridan, and found her sobbing.
‘I can’t believe my husband is going to be raped. I can’t believe he’s going to be with another woman in front of me. I can’t take this, I can’t take this.’ Sheridan thought.
“Sheridan,” Luis whispered. “Sheridan, please look at me.”
Her tearful gaze met Luis, their faces only inches apart. Luis was dying to reach over and wipe away Sheridan tears, touch her anything. She needed comfort, he needed comfort. He knew if Beth did succeed in raping him, and in front of Sheridan, he would never be able to live with himself, or face Sheridan again. He was a very strong man, and here he was, at the mercy of woman. It is very common to hear of woman getting raped, but not men. All these thought attacked Luis in a matter of seconds. He knew he had to calm himself down.
“Sheridan sweetheart, no matter what happens, I want you to know that I love you, and I would never willingly sleep with another woman. You know that right?”
Sheridan shook her head ‘yes’, and cried even harder. God how Luis wanted to wipe those tears away. He wanted to console his wife so badly, when Beth whipped his head back facing hers. She planted a harsh, nasty kiss to Luis’ lips. Beth removed her shirt for Luis.
“Listen sweetie, I know that you want to touch me, but you’ll just have to settle for kissing me okay?”
Luis looked at her in disgust, and in Beth’s twisted little mind, she thought it was love. Beth rubbed her body against Luis. Then, she grabbed a knife. Sheridan gasped and Luis looked over at her.
“It’s going to be okay Sheridan, everything’s going to be all…oh.”
“What’s wrong Luis?” Sheridan managed to choke out. He didn’t know what to say. How could he tell his wife that he was getting hot for another woman? How could he tell Sheridan that he could feel the viagra start to work? He shook his head quickly.
“Nothing, nothing, I’m okay baby? How are you?”
“Oh Luis,” a huge sob tore through her throat and she couldn’t finish. Beth moved closer to Luis with the knife. She brought it up to Luis’ stomach; nobody knew what she was going to do. She then traced the knife down Luis’ leg, and sliced into his jeans.
“It’s the only way I can take them off of you love.” Beth said to Luis.
After Beth had managed to remove Luis’ pants, Beth left the room and went into the bathroom. Luis looked at Sheridan and thought ‘If Sheridan could just move her head over a little more, at least some part of us could be touching. At least then I could kiss her tears.’ He was about to ask Sheridan to try and get closer, when he noticed Sheridan’s gaze rake over his body. Sheridan looked over to Luis, and could see the beginning of his arousal. She couldn’t take it anymore. She had to get out of there. She had to stop Beth, but there was nothing she could do, but sit there and cry. Cry for herself, for Luis, for the baby. She thought she was going to split into two with how hard she was crying, but Beth’s next sentence made her chest cave, and the breath leave her body. Beth walked into the bedroom, slowly undid her jeans, and rolled them down her legs. She then straddled Luis, and bent down to whisper to him.
“Great news love, I am ovulating, and my temperature is practically perfect. What do you say we try for a baby of our own?”
Luis didn’t have time to answer, because Beth grabbed his cheeks, and forced a kiss upon him. Luis felt Beth’s tongue trying to force it’s way into his mouth. He wanted to vomit. He could here Sheridan crying immensely next to him, and his heart was breaking apart. He also felt his arousal getting stronger, and knew that it wouldn’t be long before Beth would force herself on him. Throughout this entire time Luis had only thought of Sheridan, and not himself. He and Sheridan really did have true love. Beth leaned up to take her bra off, when she remembered she had a little plan in store for Sam and Martin. She got off Luis, and searched through his drawers for one of his shirts. When she found one she liked, she put it on and ran out the door. Luis took this chance to calm Sheridan, or at least try to.
“Sheridan baby,” he barely whispered.
She looked up at him, and he knew that face would be etched into his memory forever. He hadn’t even seen that look of dread, and horror, and grief even when he found her in the warehouse. But that was probably because she was too out of it then, but now she was completely conscious and aware. All too aware, as he found her staring at his almost full arousal.
“Sheridan, sweetheart, please look at my face. No matter what happens tonight, you have to promise me you’ll look at my face. No where else.”
“Why, because you don’t want me to see you having sex with another woman?”
“Sheridan, please. If you look at my face, it will show you love, and support. My eyes, the windows to my soul are open just for you, and despite what’s going on with my body, they will only shine bright for you. Only you can fill my soul, and if Beth does get what she wants from me tonight, you need to keep reminding yourself that I love only you, and the feelings that I have physically, can never compare to the ones that you give me emotionally.”
“Oh Luis.” Her cries prevented her from saying more. She tried to get closer to Luis. She moved her body over.
“That’s great Sheridan, now just stretch your head a little more.”
She moved her head, and so did Luis, and they had made contact. Luis rubbed his head against her cheek. His lips caressed her face. She turned ever so slight so he could kiss her tears. His kiss traveled down her cheek until it was upon her lips. Although they were straining to reach other, and the kiss could not be deepened, it still contained all the powerful feelings each held in their heart.
“I love you so much Luis.”
“I love you too sweetheart. How’s my baby girl?”
Sheridan moved her gaze down to her stomach, where it was protruding just enough for her to see a tiny bump in her shirt.
“Everything feels okay Luis, but I’d feel much better if the monitors were hooked up and we knew for sure."
Luis gave Sheridan Eskimo kisses, and she exhaled. She felt herself becoming less tense with each word, with each touch Luis was giving her. Sheridan reached her lips up and kissed his nose, and he did the same for her. They rubbed cheeks together, and tried to soothe each other as much as possible, until Beth came back. Sheridan heard a noise and jumped away from Luis.
“Luis, did you hear that?”
“Yeah I did,” Luis said solemnly. He thought it was Beth coming back.
“It’s Hank, he’s starting to wake up.”
Sheridan said as she saw Hank squirming around on the floor. But that’s all he was doing, mumbling, he wasn’t awake yet. Sheridan turned to Luis and pushed her head against his again.
“He isn’t waking up Luis. He isn’t waking up, and no one is going to get us out of this. Whenever I’m in a horrible situation, I always know you’ll be there to get me out. I cried for you when I Roger and Pierre tried to kill me in Paris, and I cried for you Antoine tried to rape me at the cabin. But who’s going to get us out of this mess now?” Luis pulled his head back abruptly.
“What’s wrong Luis?”
“You never told me Antoine tried to rape you.”
“I didn’t?”
“No you didn’t. I asked you
to tell me what happened, and when you told me you ditched your bodyguard, we got into a fight, and you never told me the rest, remember?”
“Yeah I do.” Luis returned his head back to Sheridan’s and placed kisses on her temples, and in her hair.
“I remember, I remember how terrifying it was to think someone was going to violate me like that. The feelings I had were indescribable, but I got away, and I got over it. You’re not going to get out of this one Luis. I can’t believe you’re so calm.”
“I guess I’m calm because I have the love of my life, and my best friend to support during, and after all of this. I admit, if this has to happen, and there’s no way I can stop Beth, then I’d rather not have you here to see it. I can’t imagine how it must be to witness this Sheridan, but having you here is bringing me some comfort.”
“Luis, I wish I could do more. The baby and I love you and want you to be safe. Just remember that we’re here for you.” Luis smiled for the first time that night.
“I know you are. I know baby.”
Just then, they heard Beth shut the front door, and walk towards the bedroom. Luis and Sheridan kissed, long and hard. They didn’t want to end it, but if Beth saw then, there was no telling what she would do.
“I love you Sheridan.”
“I love you too Luis.”
They kissed one last time, and Luis could taste Sheridan’s tears. They were still staring into each other’s eyes when Beth entered the room.
Beth flung her shirt off, and sat over Luis’s waist again. Beth glanced down at Luis’ completely aroused manhood.
“Looks like I got back just in time, not only that, but the timing is prefect to get pregnant, so we’d better hurry.” Luis took this as his cue to stall.
“Where were you Beth?” Beth smiled at him contentedly; he was finally starting to come around.
“Let’s just say Sam and your father are playing a little game.”
“What kind of game Beth?” Luis was extremely frightened from the tone in her voice, and the look in her eyes.
“Well, it involves a hose, a locked room, and a car, or should I say exhaust pipe.”
“DAMN IT BETH! You can’t kill my father. Then I will never love you, do you hear me, never.” He was trying to manipulate her.
“You want to kill our children’s grandfather. How could you Beth, how could you?”
“Don’t be mad at me Luis, I’ll go turn the car off now.”
She scampered out of the room again. She was only gone a matter of seconds before she returned. Beth moved to the edge of the bed, looked at Sheridan.
“She looks horrible doesn’t she Beth? Maybe she’s losing the baby, OUR baby.” Luis said, to further mess with her.
“No Luis, we can have other children, who cares?” Luis wanted to punch the crap out of her.
“I care Beth, it is half my baby. Why don’t you hook the monitors back up?” Beth complied with Luis and everything except for Sheridan’s heart rate was pretty stable. Again, Beth climbed on top of Luis, only this time; she wasn’t going to let anyone or anything stop her. She flung off her bra, and pressed her chest into Luis’ and kissed his neck.
“Doesn’t that feel good Luis? Doesn’t it feel wonderful to have our flesh blend together? Can you feel how hard my nipples are Luis? They’re begging for your touch.” With that, she brought her breasts eye level with Luis’s view. She thought he would want to kiss them, kiss them like he had when they first made love.
“Doesn’t this bring back memories Luis? Of our first time together, we were each other’s firsts. Remember how we tasted each other Luis?”
Each word out of Beth’s mouth made Sheridan cringe even more. Luis turned his head away from Beth’s breasts, and looked straight at Sheridan. He mouthed to her. “My eyes.” She knew what he meant. She wanted to stay locked in his gaze, but she couldn’t stop her sick compulsion to look at what was going on. It was like looking at a car accident, you just couldn’t tear your eyes away. Beth saw Luis and Sheridan gazing at each other and thought, ‘it’s not going to be easy for Sheridan to realize he’s mine, I’d better lay it on thick.'
Beth snaked her arm down to Luis’ manhood, and caressed him through his boxers. Luis flung his head back in disgust and frustration. Disgusted at another woman besides Sheridan touching him so intimately, and frustration that no matter how perverted and wrong this was, his physical feelings were still in tact. He still felt excited when someone massaged him in certain places. Beth wasn’t being extremely rough with him, and he wished she would. Maybe then there would be little pleasure and more pain. Sheridan saw Luis throw his head back and close his eyes, and thought that he was enjoying what Beth was doing to him. Her cries could no longer be silenced, and the shed tears were now accompanied by heartbreaking sobs. Luis looked over to his love.
“No, Sheridan, never.” As if he could read her mind. “My eyes, Sheridan. Look into my eyes.”
She did, and saw love for her and only her. Beth was so close to violating her husband, how were they going to get out of this one?
“Oh Luis,” Beth said. “I’m so sorry sweetheart.”
She kissed his jaw where she had smacked him. Her eyes started to well up with tears.
“Please say you forgive me.” She was growing hysterical.
“Please, Luis, you just have to forgive me. I’m so sorry, I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”
Luis turned his head and gave Beth a warm look. “Anything?”
“Oh yes Luis, anything.”
“Take my hands out of the binds so I can touch you. I want to fully enjoy making love to you.”
Before Beth had a chance to answer, Luis placed his lips on Beth’s, and kissed her rough and hard. Beth was so happy that Luis was giving into her, but she just wasn’t sure she should unlock Luis’ limbs.
“Luis,” Beth moaned as Luis’ kisses traveled from her face to her neck. “How do I know you’re not going to run away as soon as I set you free?”
“Don’t you trust me Beth? Besides, if I wasn’t chained down so close to the bed, I could kiss past your neck, to other…uncharted regions, which I’m sure you’d like.” Luis started to place tiny bites on Beth’s neck, and Beth just couldn’t take it anymore.
“Oh yes Luis, I’ll unchain your arms, and then, if you’re a good boy, (she licked his nose) I’ll free your legs too.”
Sheridan watched the whole exchange with repulsion. She knew Luis was just trying to trick Beth, so he could get out of their situation, but it still felt horrible to watch her husband kissing, and licking, and biting another woman. If Luis got out of this unscathed, then she was going to show him one hell of a good time, just to spite Beth.
Beth reached up to unhook Luis’ bindings. Luis was impressed at the state of the art equipment she had. The door locks, the body chains, the drugs. ‘Where did she get all the money for this stuff,’ Luis thought. Beth pressed the release button, and Luis’ left, and then right hand was free. Before Beth had a chance to think about anything else, Luis pulled her down with his right hand, so close to his body that she could barely move, and kissed her. He had to keep her involved in him, because his left hand shot over to Sheridan’s body. He wanted to unlock her restraints too, but he wanted Beth to trust him a little bit more before he tried to escape. Luis tired to see Sheridan out of the corner of his eye, but he could only make out a tiny bit of her outline with his peripheral vision. Luis moved his hand around Sheridan’s body. He felt her torso, right under her armpit and continued to move his hand closer. His hand was on her breasts, and Sheridan had to bite her lip to keep from wincing at the pain his hands were bringing her sensitive breasts. He moved his hand slowly downward, and felt the minuscule bump on Sheridan’s stomach, and rubbed it soothingly. He then wiggled his fingertips, as if he was waving to his baby. Sheridan wanted to cry so badly, but not she didn’t want to break Beth’s spell. Luis then ran his hand to Sheridan’s face. He rubbed her cheek with his fingers, and brought his hands to her lips. He felt Sheridan kiss his hand and take one of his fingers in her mouth. Her tongue was practically the only movable body part she had to communicate to him with. Luis relished in the feel of his wife’s mouth in his hand, but he had to do something he had been yearning to do for forty minutes now. He reached his hand up, and brushed away her tears. He felt so regenerated. He had been longing to soothe Sheridan, and brush away her tears, and after he did, he felt a wave if anger consume him. He wanted to throw Beth off of him, and hit her so hard, but he tried to keep his anger in check until just the right moment. Luis could feel the kiss starting to end, and quickly ran his hand up to Sheridan’s and grasped. He held on so hard; he thought he might break her fingers. Beth started to lean back, and both Luis and Sheridan had to let go. It was very hard for Luis, but he comforted himself with that fact that he would be free very soon, and then he could hold Sheridan for the rest of their lives.
“Wow Luis,” Beth said breathlessly.
“That was wonderful.” Luis smiled, and it sickened him.
“It sure was Beth.”
“Luis, I’m so hot. I don’t think I can wait much longer. I’ve got to have you now…”
“AHH.” Sheridan and Beth screamed.
Hank had popped up from the floor, and they could tell he was still very out of it. Hank, in his altered, delirious state looked at the scene before him. He saw a half naked Luis and Beth, and Sheridan chained to the bed, and his eyes bugged out.
“WOW, MEANGE ET TROIS, KINKY,” Hank screamed, and then passed out on the floor again.
Sheridan let out a slight chuckle. It brought a little bit of relief to the tension she was feeling. Luis heard Sheridan laugh, and was happy that she was feeling somewhat better. Luis would have been cracking up if the situation weren’t so serious. Beth was rolling with laughter. She looked at Luis and saw him trying to hide a grin, which made her laugh even harder. Luis couldn’t help himself, he had to laugh, and once he did Sheridan started to. ‘Could the situation be any more awkward?’ Sheridan thought to herself. My husband and I are chained to a bed with his ex-girlfriend trying to rape him, and his best friend drugged on the floor. Sheridan’s laughter stopped abruptly as she thought about the situation. Luis looked over at Sheridan and saw the weird face she was wearing, while contemplating their situation, and out of nowhere, Luis balled up his fist and slammed Beth in the head. He startled Sheridan, and she let out a tiny scream. Beth was now lying on the floor, knocked out cold. Luis knew she would be out for at least a half an hour, he had put a lot of force behind that punch, and she was not expecting it at all.
Sheridan looked down at the floor to where Beth was, then back up to Luis, and started squirming immensely. She wanted out of her binds, and fast. Luis quickly snapped off his ankle cuffs, and leaned over to release Sheridan. The sight of her struggling so much made him realize she was about to go into shock, and if that happened, the chances of her having a miscarriage were extremely high.
“Get me out Luis please.” She was crying and begging Luis to free her.
“It’s okay baby, you’re almost out. Just calm down, I’m right here. Nobody is going to hurt either of us. Look, Beth is out cold, there’s no way she’ll be waking up any time soon.”
Luis unchained Sheridan’s ankles as he talked. He hurriedly went to work at her wrists, and when they were undone, she hurled herself into his arms.
“Oh Luis.” Sheridan sobbed. She cried almost harder than she did when she was tied up. After their horrendous experience, all the feelings Sheridan had bottled up came flooding back, and she couldn’t control herself. Her hormones also weren’t helping a bit. She thought about what might have happened if Hank hadn’t been such an idiot, even in his sleep. Thank God for Hank.
Luis couldn’t describe the feelings he felt as soon as Sheridan was in his arms. Once she was in his arms, he knew she would always be safe. He wrapped his arms tighter around her, but not so tight as to hurt her. Her rubbed his hands up and down her back, trying to subside the cries from his wife, but he knew she had to cry it all out and then she would start to calm down.
“Sheridan, sweetheart, it’s okay. No one was hurt, we’re all okay. We’re going to be just fine. Please calm down. I love you so much Sheridan, you knew I was never going to let anything happen to any of us.” He placed his hand on Sheridan’s stomach.
“The three of us have gone through so much, I just couldn’t let anything happen. Shh, I’m here, you’re safe. I’m never going to let you go Sheridan, never.”
Sheridan pulled back slightly from Luis’ embrace.
“I knew you’d never let anything happen to us, I love you so much.”
Luis kissed Sheridan’s tears away and Sheridan crushed her lips against Luis’ so hard. Luis needed to feel his lips against hers as well, and they kissed passionately, and roughly. They conveyed feelings in that kiss that they wanted to say, but were still to shaken up to think properly, so they physically told one another. The kiss lasted a while, and probably would have lasted longer if they hadn’t heard Hank moan from the floor. Luis got his wits about him, and remembered that there were fifteen or more other people in the house, and he had to tie Beth up, call the police, and check on all of them ASAP. Luis jumped out of bed and carried Beth to bed. Sheridan scampered off as fast as she could.
“I’m sorry sweetie, I should have warned you first.”
Luis said as he clamped Beth’s wrists and ankles into place. After he was finished, he pulled Sheridan into his embrace and kissed her quickly.
“I have to go see if the other’s are okay.”
“Who else is here Luis?” Luis laughed a bit, and said, “only everyone we know. I have to go and see if everyone’s all right.”
“But Luis,” Sheridan started.
“Yes, Sheridan you come with me, but I have to carry you, remember no unnecessary walking.”
“No Luis,” Sheridan tried again.
“No Sheridan, no arguments. I have to go see if my father and Sam are okay.”
“But Luis.”
“What, oh, you’re right, we better take Hank with us, and lock the door.”
“LUIS,” Sheridan screamed. Luis was taken back a bit. “Don’t you have something to do first?”
Luis looked at Sheridan, perplexed. “What?”
Sheridan focused her eyes on Luis’ waist and his gaze followed.
“Oh,” Luis stated. Obviously embarrassed that he had forgotten about his erection before charging out the door for everyone else to see.
Sheridan chuckled, and they both headed into the bathroom to take care of his ‘problem,’ before they went to check on the others. Little did they know that Beth turned their house into a house of terror, and before the night was through, someone very close to them was going to die.
"Oh, this is great, candles."
Luis picked up the candles and the flashlights. They tried all the flashlights and they didn't work, so they lit up their candles.
"Luis, who would have dropped all these here." Luis remembered that Paloma and Theresa went downstairs to get them.
"Theresa and Paloma came downstairs to get the, and they wouldn't just leave them here." Sheridan latched onto Luis' arm.
"I hope they're okay, Luis."
?I?m sure they're fine," Hank added.
He knew how much Luis loved his family, and Hank tired to pacify his worries. Another reason for Hank being such a nice guy was because of his guilt. He had tried to kill his best friend because he was jealous, and now he felt like beating himself up. ?How could I ever think of hurting Luis. He has been there for me all my life, and this is how I repay him? No, I have to make up for it,? Hank thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by Luis’s yelling.
"Paloma, Theresa, where are you guys? Theresa, are you okay. Paloma, please answer me." Luis was about to open his mouth again, but Sheridan shushed him.
"Shh, Luis. Do you hear that?"
All three of them listened intently, and indeed they did hear a sound. It was coming from the bathroom, and sounded like someone pounding on the floor, and turning the water on and off. The three of them made their way to the bathroom.
"Stay behind me Sheridan." Luis said, as he opened the bathroom door. After he opened the door, he shined the candlelight into the room.
"Oh My God, Paloma." Luis said.
She was tied to the faucet, and was crying and trying to scream, but the only thing that came out was a tiny little whisper.
"Oh Luis," Paloma exclaimed. Or at least he thought he heard he say it
, she was speaking so softly. After Luis untied her, she hurled herself into his arms. She looked up at him and whispered,
"I was so scared Luis, someone jabbed a needle in my neck, and grabbed me from behind. I couldn't talk or scream, I thought they were going to kill me." She buried her head in Luis' chest and cried. Luis comforted her, and told that he was here now, and she was safe.
"It's okay Paloma, calm down. I've got you and you're going to be fine. Where's Theresa, Paloma?" She moved back from Luis and said, "I don't know, I was dragged in here and Theresa was left in the living room, all alone."
"It's okay Paloma. Come on, let's go find her."
He led Paloma out of the bathroom, and Sheridan welcomed the girl into her arms. Paloma hugged her hard, and Sheridan put an arm around the young girls' shoulders and they followed Luis as he searched the rooms of the house.
Luis had tried most of the rooms downstairs, and was now going towards the den. Luis tried to open the door, but it wouldn?t budge. Hello, is anybody in there. He didn't hear anything, but the fact that the door was locked, and his gut feeling, told him there were people in there. Luis threw all of his weight into the door, and successfully opened it. When Luis saw TC, Chad, and Theresa passed out on the floor, he called for Hank to come in.
"I'll check Theresa, you check on Chad," Luis commanded.
Luis bent down on the floor to check Theresa's pulse, all the time praying that there was one. Once he felt that she had a strong pulse, he thanked God and took some calming breaths.
"Luis man, (Luis turned to face Hank) TC has been hit really hard. His head wound is pretty deep, he needs to get the hospital right away."
"Call an ambulance, tell them there could be as many as ten people hurt, and then call the station, and tell them that Beth showed up here and ransacked the place." Hank shook his head and picked up the phone.
"Luis, it's dead."
"Figures, Beth sure thought of everything. Listen, go into my office and use my walkie talkie to radio into the station."
"Ok." Hank took off running down the hallway.
"Paloma, come here please. As far as I can see Theresa and Chad are okay, but TC is bleeding very heavily. I need you to go to the bathroom and get a bunch of towels okay?" Luis could see that his sister was still crying, and shaking, but she followed his request and went to the bathroom to get the towels.
Five minutes later, they had wrapped TC's head and Paloma was applying pressure to it. Hank had called the station, and the guys should be there any second.
Luis looked at Sheridan and Hank, and asked, "are you guys ready to search the rest of the house?" The both said yes.
"Okay, Hank, you check out the basement, and Sheridan and I will head upstairs. With that, they split up, leaving Paloma behind. Sheridan held onto Luis tightly as the ascended the stairs, they had no idea what they awaited them up there. About three fourths of the way up, they heard Hank yell,
"Oh my God, Luis. Your father's been hurt." Luis turned to Sheridan. "Oh no, papa."
Luis was about to bolt down the stairs when Sheridan had the nagging feeling that something was behind her. She turned around, and to her horror, she saw Ethan lying on the top of the stairs, surrounded by blood. She let out a horrendous scream, and started to tumble backwards.
"Luis."
He looked down to where Sheridan?s gaze was directed, and he too saw Ethan a bloodied mess. Luis carried Sheridan to the bottom of the stairs.
"Stay here."
She was too shaken up to even realize what was happening, so she just sat there. Luis went up to Ethan, and bent down to feel his pulse. It was weak, but he had one. Luis rolled him over, to see the huge gash in his stomach.
At the moment, the paramedics and police showed up. The police rushed in and started yelling. The house was turning into a huge mass of hysteria.
"Lopez-Fitzgerald, you here?" One officer called out. "Silvano, is that you?" Luis yelled back to him.
"Yeah, where do you need the paramedics?"
"We have a serious injury up here on the stairs, a few more in the den, and one in the basement. Not everyone has been found yet; send a few officers upstairs to look for the others. We have Beth tied up in the bedroom downstairs, she may need medical attention, if she's in good enough condition, take her into the station. And Silvano, can you take my wife to be checked out, she has been really shaken up."
"Sure Luis. Don't worry about her, I'll take good care of her."
"Thanks."
After Silvano had removed Sheridan from the stairs, a few officers raced up the stairs and so did the paramedics. Luis told officers to check the third door on the left, and see if anyone was hurt, he stayed there with Ethan. The paramedics assessed Ethan's injury and lifted him on the stretcher.
"We need to get him to the hospital immediately." They lifted the stretcher, and walked down the stairs and out the front door with it. When they passed Sheridan, she came back to reality and started screaming.
"Luis, LUIS."
Luis raced down the stairs to be by her side. He cradled her in his arms.
"What's wrong baby?"
"Is Ethan. I mean is he?" Her voice cracked and she couldn't finish.
Luis kissed her forehead. "No sweetie, he's not dead, but his condition is very serious and they have to get him to the hospital right away."
Sheridan sniffled and hugged Luis tighter. Luis could hear her crying lightly against his shoulder. He rubbed her back and whispered to her.
"Don't cry honey, he'll be fine. Why don't I have one of the officer's drive you to the hospital, and when I get things straightened here, I will race right over to the hospital to be with you."
Sheridan removed her head from Luis' shoulder and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"How are you feeling, are you and the baby okay?"
Luis placed his hand on Sheridan's stomach. She gave him a slight smile, and shook he head yes.
"That's my girl." Luis looked over to Silvano, and Silvano said, "No problem, I won't let her out of my sight." Luis gave him an appreciative look, gave Sheridan one last kiss and went upstairs to see if the others were found.
When he got to the door, one officer handed him a gas mask, and Luis put it on and entered the room.
"Are they dead?" Luis asked, terror in his voice.
"No, they've just been sedated by this gas, as soon as the air clears they should wake up," a paramedic explained.
Knowing that everyone was okay, Luis went in search of his father and Sam. On his way down to the basement another officer stopped Luis.
"Detective, can you give me a head count of everyone that was in the house tonight."
Luis thought for a minute, and said, "Including myself and Beth, there were twenty, no make that twenty-one. I forgot about Reese," Luis said with a chuckle.
"Thank you detective."
"Wait," Luis called him back.
"Did you get the men from the basement?"
"Yes we did sir, they are on their way to the hospital."
"Was the man downstairs hurt badly? Did you get a final count on all of the injuries?"
"I will get a final count for you now sir."
The officer walked away from him, and talked into his walkie-talkie. "Final count is in sir. The ten people upstairs are fine and are awakening. So not including yourself?" The officer's cell phone rang, interrupting him for a second. "As I was saying sir, not including yourself, there are 13 in stable condition, two more are unconscious, but are in stable condition, brining the number to fifteen, and four are in critical condition."
"That's only nineteen. Who are you missing?" Luis asked anxiously.
"That phone call was about your wife sir, she started having some violent pains on the way to the hospital, her condition is unknown." Luis took a deep breath to stabilize himself.
"Who are the four in critical condition?"
"I wasn't given any names sir, but the one with the knife wound to his stomach is in critical condition, and the two men from the den are, and one of the men from the basement."
Luis shook the officer's hand and thanked him for the information.
"No problem, would you like a ride to the hospital sir?"
"No thank you, I would like to take my own car."
The officer shook his head and left Luis to his thoughts.
"Oh God," Luis thought, "papa is in critical condition."
"How are you feeling?" He asked in a very soft, warm tone, accompanied with a half-smile. She sat up some more and wrapped her arms around Luis' waist.
"Better, now that you're here."
"What was this I heard about you having some sort of pains"
"I just had some slight muscles spasms around my heart, the doctor said it was caused by stress, and I should try to relax and alleviate all stress. Ha, if she only knew half the stuff I endured Luis. Especially tonight." Luis kissed her and said,
"I know. Did you hear anything about my father, or Ethan?"
"No, the doctor said she was going to check on all of their charts and come back in here in a few minutes."
Just as Sheridan finished, an ER doctor came in the room. All the officers and paramedics that were there looked up. The doctor opened her mouth to speak when the door was opened, and in walked everybody who was at the house today, accompanied by many of Harmony PD, paramedics, and nurses. After everyone was situated in a chair, nurses and doctors checked on everyone?s vitals, and the whole lot of them were just fine. Pilar walked over and embraced Luis, and Miguel walked over with Charity and sat on the bed with Sheridan, the three of them cuddled together. Miguel always did have a crush on his sister-in-law. Paloma walked over to her mother and brother, and buried her head into Luis' arm for comfort. Eve, and her daughters were sitting together, and the Bennett's were huddled together. Jessica, Grace and Reese, and Hank and Kay. Sam entered the room, and ran over to embrace his family.
The chief ER doctor, consulted with the other doctor that was just in, and they were ready to make their announcement.
"It seems all of you have had an extremely difficult night. Let me start out by stating the obvious, which is everyone in this room is stable, and in fine condition. Although chief Bennett does have a slight concussion. Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald is going to be fine. She was shot with a tranquilizer dart, and aside from drowsiness and a headache, there is no other injury. Mr. Russell will recover nicely as well, although he is going to have a scar on his forehead. That was quite a blow he suffered, but from the cat-scan and other tests, there seems to be no brain damage."
The Russell's smiled and thanked God for helping TC in his time of need. The doctor continued.
"The young man with Mr. Russell, Chad Harris, suffers from a broken neck, and unfortunately may be paralyzed from the waist down. I'm very sorry. Does he have any family here, have they been contacted?"
Eve spoke up, "No, he doesn't have any family, but he is living with us, and we will take care of him."
Whitney gave her mother a brilliant smile, "Thanks mom."
"Okay, that leaves us with the assailant and the two other men. Miss Wallace has woken up with a cracked jawbone, and is going to need surgery, but she should heal quickly, and be ready to hear the Miranda in no time. As far as Mr. Crane is concerned, his condition is very serious, and will be admitted to the intensive care unit as soon as he's out of surgery. Not only were his stomach and lower intestines punctured, but his spleen as well. They are going to need people to donate blood, and possibly donate some tissue if needed. Relatives are encouraged to get tested for tissue matches."
Sheridan was in tears by this point. "I'm his aunt, if there's anything I can do."
The doctor looked at Sheridan.
"I'm afraid not Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, it would be too much of a risk to you and your baby to take blood or anything else from your body. You are still healing and cannot afford the loss. Lastly, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald is also in extremely critical condition. He has lost a fair amount of blood, and has received over three pints of donor blood. If he had gone without medical assistance for any longer, he might have bled to death. The tendon that was severed is essential for walking, as well, and so far the surgery to repair it has been unsuccessful. You can all wait in here until your loved ones are out of surgery. The hospital security will try to keep the reporters out, but it will be a mad house around here. I am to assume that the officers will be staying as well?" The doctor directed her question to Chief Bennett.
"Yes, they know all of the victims personally, and will stay the night and help with the media frenzy, as well as guarding Miss. Wallace's room."
The doctor nodded her head and made one last comment before she left the room.
"I will notify you the moment one of them men can have visitors. The only advice I can give you is to pray for all three men that were severely injured here tonight."
“How is he, can I see him yet?” Ivy was shaking and practically screaming.
“No, Ivy. He’s not out of surgery yet,”
Sheridan choked out. And Luis was right there to support her.
“How did this happen Sheridan?”
Sheridan was too upset to speak, so Sam did it for her.
“You know the owner of the book café, Beth? Well, she apparently was jealous that Sheridan was Luis’ wife instead of her, and she went crazy. She tried to rape Luis, and kill everyone else in the house. She basically turned the house into a blood bath, and Ethan was an unfortunate victim of Beth’s lunacy.”
Julian went up to Luis and Sheridan and said, “This never would have happened if you hadn’t consorted with commoners Sheridan. Look what your relationship with Luis has done to our family, and now Ethan. This is all your fault Sheridan…ALL YOUR FAULT.”
Sheridan had covered her ears halfway through Julian’s little outburst, and started convulsing with heart-wrenching sobs. Miguel and Charity tried to calm her down, while Luis got up into Julian’s face, and boy was Luis pissed.
“HOW DARE YOU blame this on Sheridan? None of what happened tonight was her fault. I can’t believe you are so petty. She can’t take all of this stress right now, it could harm the baby. Aren’t you the one that helped tried to save them in the first place?” Luis was so mad, his hands were clenched into fists at his side, and his face was redder then a fir engine.
“I love my sister dearly, but she has always made TERRIBLE decisions when it came to men, and look where her latest one has gotten her? She almost died, and had to endure a tremendous amount of pain, and now my son’s life is in jeopardy.” Julian half screamed, half screeched. He took a big breath to continue, but a booming voice from behind him, stopped him in his tracks.
“That’s enough Julian.” Alistair’s strong voice commanded. “This is not your sister’s fault. I need a word with you outside.”
Julian wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, “of course father.” “What are you doing here father?” Julian asked. “
I wanted to check on my heir.” Alistair covered, knowing the real reason he was here, was for a check up on his condition. Julian knew about the disease, as did the whole world by now, but they didn’t know how far along the disease was. “I want you to stop hounding your sister. After all, she will have control over all of the Crane money in the future.”
“I still can’t believe you did that father, haven’t I always been the one to do your bidding? And how would Sheridan feel about you if she knew you tried to have Luis killed just a short while ago?”
“You wouldn’t Julian.”
“Oh wouldn’t I, I stood up to you when I thought you tried to kill the baby. Why wouldn’t I do it now.” Alistair glared at him, hard.
“I could have you cut off permanently Julian. Boy, I sure did raise you like a true Crane, vindictive to the end. Well I have changed, and I want my daughter to embrace me before my time is up. DO you understand that Julian, now Leave your sister be.”
Julian relented, “Yes father.”
Alistair did have to admit, he was as scary now as he had always been, and Julian was still his puppet, which was why he had to hand the Crane industry over to someone else.
Julian spotted a doctor walking into the room, and asked, “do you have an update on my son’s condition?”
“Yes we do Mr. Crane, please follow me.” Julian followed the doctor into the room where everyone else sat and waited for news.
“I have news on all three men.” The doctor announced.
“It turns out that the swelling around Mr. Harris’ spine was causing his paralysis, and it is only temporary. Mr. Fitzgerald his out of surgery, and can his immediate family can see, but please only at ten-minute intervals, and Mrs. Fitzgerald, you can stay with him as long as you like. These next 12 hours are crucial. If he wakes up, then he has a chance at a full recovery, but if he doesn’t, then the blood loss was too severe, and his brain went without blood for too long. Blood carries oxygen to the brain, and if he went too long without it, I’m sorry, but there is a chance that he will be permanently brain dead.”
At hearing this, Pilar’s knees went weak, and Luis had to catch her before she fell. Luis threw his arms around his mother’s waist, and she buried her head in his chest and cried. It made her cry harder that Luis was so strong, and loving, just like Martin. Paloma laid her head in Sheridan’s lap and cried, while Sheridan lovingly brushed her fingers through her hair as she cried as well. Miguel threw one arm around Sheridan, and one around Charity, for support. The Lopez-Fitzgerald family really knew how to bond during a crisis. The doctor moved on to Ethan’s condition.
“As far as Mr. Crane is concerned, (Ivy went over to Julian, and for the first time in years, grabbed onto him for support. Everyone was shocked to say the least, but no one was more shocked than Julian. However, considering the circumstances, Julian lent strength to his wife, with a comforting arm around her waist, as Ivy rested her head on Julian’s shoulder.) He is out of surgery as well, but not for long. We were able to repair his intestines, but the damage to his spleen was pretty severe, and he needs tissue from a donor. I urge everyone in the family to get tested, but the closest match would probably be from his father.” The doctor stated, while looking at Julian. Ivy immediately jumped away from Julian.
“Of course doctor, you can test me for a match right now. Anything to save my son, but what if I’m not a match?”
“Well, we’ll also test his mother, and unfortunately his grandfather cannot donate any of his organs. Tissues from the same sex have a better chance of matching, and accepting. If he has any siblings, they should be tested too.”
Ivy nervously stated, “All of his siblings are in Europe, but we can have them go to the hospital right away and get tested, and if one of them is a match, we can have them flown in, in a matter of hours.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Crane, but Ethan may not have hours, but if no one here is a match, then we will consider that possibility. Let’s go test you now Mr. Crane.”
Julian walked out of the room with the doctor, and Ivy started shake. She turned pale, and almost fainted, and fell to the floor, if Sam had not caught her. Ivy looked up at Sam, as he placed her feet firmly on the floor again.
‘I have to tell them, for Ethan’s sake. Oh, but if I do, then there will be hell to pay. Dear God, please tell me what to do here. I have to save my son. That is more important than. Wait Ivy, what are you getting yourself so worked up for, the only thing the test will show is that there is now match. Oh what are you saying, the test will say that Julian is not Ethan’s father, and they may never find a match. I have to find some way of getting Sam to be tested,’ Ivy thought to herself.
As if sensing what Ivy was thinking, Pilar spoke up. “Why doesn’t everyone get tested, Ethan may have better chances if Julian isn’t a match? Luis, Miguel, Hank, I would like you to go now. Sam, is it possible that you have all of the officers here donate blood and get tested too?”
“Of course Pilar.” With that, Sam rounded up his officers, and all the men in the group went to donate blood and get tested.
Sheridan asked the doctor if it were at all possible that she see Ethan. The doctor must have recognized that Sheridan and Ethan had a strong bond, and the fact that they were both Cranes and could have her fired, so she said yes. Sheridan was wheeled into the ICU, where they were keeping Ethan. They placed her in a reclining chair, and then the orderly left.
Sheridan looked down at Ethan. He was so pale. His lively eyes, that showed his sprit were closed off to her, and that made her want to cry even more.
“Oh Ethan.” There was so much Sheridan wanted to say, but she was crying to hard to speak at the moment.
Just then Luis walked in and placed a hand on Sheridan’s shoulder. “Are you okay honey?”
Sheridan tried to dry some of her tears and said, “Yes, but I’d like some time alone with him if you don’t, mind.”
“Of course sweetheart, I’m going to visit my father for a few minutes.”
Luis left the room, and went into the neighboring cubicle in the ICU to visit his father.
“Oh papa.” Luis took a seat by his father’s side. The slow and methodical beeping of the machine measuring Martin’s brain activity would forever be etched in Luis’ head. Luis grabbed onto Martin’s hand.
“You have to be strong for us papa. You can’t leave us, we just got you back, we just got you back,” Luis repeated over and over again, just staring at his lifeless father lying in the bed.
Sheridan gained her composure and looked up at Ethan’s face. “Oh Ethan, You’re going to be just fine. I know it. As a matter of fact, it’s a promise. Remember the promise I made to you when you graduated law school. I said no matter what I would be there, and I was. Remember the promise that I made to you when you crashed your father’s BMW into the stables.” Sheridan let out a chuckle of remembrance.
“I was about nine years old, and you were seven. You said that you would have the fanciest sports car ever, and that you could already drive one, and wanted to prove it, by driving Julian’s car. But as soon as you got in the car, you put it in reverse and rolled down the hill and into the stables. I think my eyes almost fell out of their sockets, and when Julian saw his car, half in the stable and half out, I thought he was going to blow a gasket. But I never told on you. I promised I wouldn’t, and I didn’t. That’s why I need you to believe in my promise now, when I say that you are going to be all right, because you are. You are going to be all right.” Sheridan was starting to slowly break down.
“I need you to be all right. You are one of the only people that has loved me my whole life, and I need you. I need you Ethan. DO YOU HEAR ME? (Sob, sob, sob) I want you to see your cousin. I want you to hold my baby girl in your arms. (She brushed some hair off Ethan’s forehead.) I want to hold my nieces and nephews that you and Theresa give me. Please Ethan. I love you so much. Ivy would just be devastated without you. You are her whole world. You’re the glue that keeps mine together. Oh Ethan.”
That’s as far as Sheridan got before she burst out into tears. Just then, Ethan’s heart monitor went off. Beeping loud and obnoxiously. Sheridan knew what it meant, his heart had stopped beating.
"Ethan, Ethan, ETHAN NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Warning!! This chapter is for Mature readers!!
Martin had woken up, a few hours after surgery, as happy as ever that God had given him, not a second, but a third chance at a happy life with his family.
Unfortunately, for the Cranes, Ethan did not survive. His death struck the world as a tragedy. All the newspapers compared it to Princess Diana’s death, with how similar they were. Both two extraordinary, kind, famous human beings, who had finally had love, and were getting married, only to have their life cut short because of a stupid accident. All of the Crane’s were in tremendous pain, especially Ivy. Fortunately, for her, Ethan’s paternity secret never came out, but she wished it had. She would have given anything for Sam to know, and to embrace his son at least once before he died. Ivy was so distraught at losing her one actual link with the true love of her life that she had tried to kill herself. Julian was no better at first. He locked himself in the library and drank almost to the point of alcohol poising. He grieved over the loss of his son, although he had no idea he really wasn’t his. Ivy and Julian had become to get closer. They actually bonded over the terrible tragedy. They supported each other, and Ivy found that she had no longer had resentment towards Julian. Whether it be now she knew she had no chance with Sam, or that she had just gone insane, no one knew. Ivy even had come so far as to sleep in Julian’s bed with him one night. She said she needed comfort, and Julian welcomed her with open arms. Pilar had walked into Julian’s bedroom that morning to bring him the newspaper, and some toast and brandy, and when she saw a woman in his bed, she hurriedly excused herself, but when Ivy popped up, she almost dropped the tray, and just stared with unbelieving eyes. They had talked about their wedding being a business merger, but they both said that they did have some sort of feelings for each other. Even Sheridan, Luis, and Alistair could see that they were on their way to reconciliation, and the handsome debonair man that Ivy married, was slowly winning over her heart. Alistair was upset by the incident, but no tears were shed, his heart was still hardened too much for that.
Theresa was devastated as well from the loss. The one man that she had loved her entire life was gone, and she did not want to go on living. She spent all of her days crying, and being in a catatonic state. Pilar even had to dress and bathe her. Luckily for Theresa, Paloma was home now and could take care of her too. They even considered putting her in a mental hospital, until she could get better, but Sheridan was adamant about her feelings on the subject. She had spent time there, and would not allow Theresa to as well, so she hired a very expensive psychiatrist to visit her everyday, and a couple of nurses to take care of her. They all said that given time, Theresa would get better. She would never get over the loss, but she would get her normal functioning skills back, and be able to move on in life, although she may never marry.
Besides Ivy, and Theresa, Sheridan was in a great deal of pain. Not only was he the one stable thing in her life, but also she had to watch as he died, as he was taken away from her. Towards the beginning, all Sheridan did was cry. She didn’t know how she was going to live her life without him. She thought Ethan would hate her for all eternity, because she didn’t keep her promise this time, but she knew God had other plans, and Ethan was in heaven, smiling down at her. The pain in her heart was almost unbearable, but with Luis helping her though it, the pain lessened each day. But what would never lessen, was the love that she carried in her heart for him, and the ache that she got from missing him. Sheridan was now five and a half months pregnant, and getting quite the little belly. She had recovered very nicely, and both mother and baby were doing great. Ethan’s death had made it easy for Sheridan to get bed rest, because she didn’t want to leave bed, and face the day knowing that Ethan wasn’t just a phone call away.
Sheridan was sitting in the bedroom, watching the snow fall, as another storm hit Maine in the middle of March. She had her head resting against the window, and her right was rubbing her belly in a circle. Luis was overjoyed when it started forming, but all Sheridan could think was that Ethan would never see his cousin, and that was what she was thinking right now. Hot tears made their way down Sheridan’s face, and wiped them away furiously. She was tired of crying. She wished she could mourn Ethan without all the tears. She was wearing a gray turtleneck, and gray leggings, and when she felt her hand against her cheek, she realized how hot she was. The cold window felt wonderful to her, and she hadn’t moved in hours. She leaned away from the window, and felt her forehead, and that’s when she realized she was burning up. She threw the turtle neck off, and lay on the bed in her leggings and an undershirt. ‘On no, I must be having a hot flash,’ she realized. Sheridan stared at the ceiling, trying to think of things to cool her down, like the snow outside. She wanted to open the window, but she read somewhere, in the one the million mother-to-be sources, that she could catch a cold, so she opted the lay there, and hopefully she would fall asleep.
Luis walked into the room, and saw Sheridan lying down, trying to hold back tears, and relax. He leaned against the doorframe, and watched how uncomfortable his beautiful wife was. He felt so bad for her. ‘She’s going through so much, and now just now, but from the very beginning. This pregnancy is so hard on her, I wonder if she’ll ever want to have more children.’ Luis thought to himself. He jarred himself from his thoughts, and went over to Sheridan. He sat down on the bed gently and rubbed his hands over her stomach.
“How are my girls doing today?” Luis asked through a smile.
“We’re fine, a little hot. I thought you had work to do in your office today.” She looked up at him with such helpless, pain-filled, tender blue eyes, that Luis just wanted to melt right on the spot. He brushed some hair of her forehead, and placed a loving kiss there.
“I do, but I’m taking a break to see how you’re doing.” His voice was so gentle and tender, that Sheridan just wanted to break down again.
‘No,’ she thought to herself. ‘Luis has had to comfort me for the last five months, no more tears.’ Luis saw a strange look on Sheridan’s features, as if she didn’t even realize he was there.
“What’s wrong baby?” Sheridan knew Luis could read her like a book, but she wanted to forget about her pain, at least for the time being. She released a huge breath and spoke.
“I am so hot Luis, my body feels like it’s on fire. My breasts especially, they feel like two balls of lava, just floating around, and my making my whole body burn up.” Luis couldn’t help himself; he had to laugh at her analogy.
“What. What’s so funny Luis?”
He kissed her and said, “You are.”
Sheridan just shook her head at her idiotic husband and closed her eyes. She was in a very touchy mood. Luis got up off the bed and left the room. Sheridan was surprise when he came back in. She thought he was going back to work. He had a bowl in his hand, and he set it on the side table by the bed. He kneeled on the bed and grabbed the bottom of Sheridan’s undershirt. Sheridan eyed him innocently, “what are you doing Luis?”
He smiled at her and said, “I thought you said you were hot, remember the lava comment.”
“Yes.” He winked at her and said, “just relax and let me take care of you.”
Sheridan inhaled and exhaled, and laid on her back, so Luis could cool her down. “That’s it sweetie, just relax.”
Luis lifted Sheridan’s undershirt off of her. Next, he took off her socks and pants. He saw her close her eyes, trying to enjoy what Luis was doing, but he could tell that even with her clothes off, she was still sweating. Luis moved his hands up her body, and then reached behind her back to take off her bra. He unsnapped it, and moved the lacy garment off her arms. He looked at his wife’s beautiful figure, but she was right, her breasts were bright red, and looked very sore. He then moved down her body, to remove her last article of clothing. He reached his hands under the sides of her underwear, and pulled them down her legs. He removed his shirt, and straddled Sheridan’s body. He could feel the heat just radiating off of her.
“Open your eyes Sheridan, I don’t want to shock you when I do this.”
“Do what?” Luis reached into the bowl and pulled out an ice cube. He then took the ice and touched it to the overheated skin on Sheridan’s neck. Sheridan jumped at the first touch of the cold ice, but the next second, she was turning her head sideways, so Luis would have access to her whole neck. The cold ice cube felt so good against her skin.
‘God…Luis has the best ideas.’ Sheridan thought. Luis rubbed the cold ice over the skin of Sheridan’s neck. He moved it around under her chin, and then to the other side of her neck. Sheridan moaned, and her turned her head towards Luis. Luis couldn’t resist, their heads were so close. He moved his lips closer to hers, and kissed her slowly. All the time, rubbing the ice cube over her. The kissed ended, and Luis moved the ice cube behind her head, to the back of her neck. “Ohh.”
“Are you okay?” Luis asked tenderly.
“Yes, that feels so great Luis.”
“Mmm, I thought so.” Luis put the almost completely melted ice cube back in the bowl. Sheridan watched Luis as he grabbed another one and put in his mouth. He licked the ice cube, and then ran it over Sheridan’s lips. He ran it over her top lip slowly, watching the ice melt over each beautiful inch of her. Then he ran it over the bottom lip, with as much precision as he had done with the top. Sheridan watched as a satisfied look dominated Luis’ handsome features. She watched his muscles as they flexed when he moved.
‘He has the most spectacular body.’ Sheridan thought. “No Sheridan, you have the most delicious curves ever.” Sheridan giggled, Luis had read her mind. Luis’ eyes glazed over with passion, and he took the ice cube, and put it in her mouth, but he didn’t let go of it. Sheridan swirled her tongue around it and Luis’ fingers, then she sucked on it. She held it in her mouth for a minute, and Luis took his fingers away, and reached for another ice cube. He took the ice cube, and ran it from her neck, in between her breasts, and down to her belly button slowly, enjoying the moans Sheridan was emitting.
“I hope this doesn’t hurt.” Luis said right before he took the ice cube and placed it on the outer top of Sheridan’s breast. Sheridan’s eyes flew open just in time to see Luis place the ice cube on her. She sucked in a sharp breath in reaction. Luis watched Sheridan as she bit her lip, but he couldn’t tell if she was in pain, or enjoying it.
“Does this feel better?” Luis asked, while circling her breast all the way around with the ice cube, and continuing until it reached the center.
“Oh yes Luis,” Sheridan moaned. “It feels wonderful, Ohh, ahh.” She continued to fill the room with pleasure-filled moans. Luis was getting excited too, by watching the ice slowly melt on his wife’s flawless body. He was getting the closer and closer to the nipple, and Sheridan’s moans were getting longer and louder. Luis watched as the water trickled down on her nipple, and it hardened. He wanted to suck the water droplet right off of it, but he knew his hot mouth would only make her body heat back up; then again, he could always cool it down again. He was now circling Sheridan’s nipple, running the ice cube in a circle right around it.
“Oh Luis, MMMMMMMM.” He circled it a few more times, the motion causing a huge throbbing in his body. He wanted her so much right now, but he wasn’t sure she was ready for it. They hadn’t made love, since the night before they knew about the baby. ‘Maybe if I torture Sheridan some more…Stop it Luis, if she’s not comfortable, then don’t push her.’ Luis reprimanded himself in his head, but that didn’t stop him from performing his sweet torture on his wife. He finally did what Sheridan was waiting for; he lifted the ice and traced it over her nipple. When he did this Sheridan arched her back, and her body smacked into his. He could feel her cold breast and hard nipple against his skin. “Ooooh.” Luis moaned. He had to stop himself; he still had much more pleasuring to do. He got a new ice cube, and closed his fist around it. When he felt it melting, he held it over the nipple of Sheridan’s other breast and let a single drop fall on it. “Ungggghh.” Sheridan nearly jumped off the bed. Luis couldn’t help himself any longer, he moved his head towards her breast, and his tongue shot out to lick the drop of water off.
“Ohh Luis, mmmm. I thought you were supposed to be cooling me down, not making me hot.” She said while doing Luis’ trademark eyebrow wiggle. He chuckled and said,
“Baby, the only one that is hot here is me, but I’ll continue anyway.” He kissed her lips and continued his loving cool down. He circled this breast the same way he did the other, starting from the outside and working inward. But this time when Luis started to circle her nipple, she said, “don’t stop!” He looked at her questioningly.
“Sheridan, are you as turned on my this as I am?” He asked already knowing the answer.
“Well geez Luis, I am the one at the receiving end of all of your sexual teasing. Wouldn’t you be hurt if I said I no?”
“Does that mean that you’re ready to…I mean do you feel up to…?”
“I feel fine so far, and the doctor said we could, so why don’t you just continue, and we’ll take things from there.” She smiled at him, causing his heart to flutter. He finished with her breast, by making little x’s on top of her nipple with the ice. She sighed as he grabbed another cube. This time, he rubbed in it circled around her big belly.
“Hmm Luis, that feels amazing. Do you see any stretch marks down there?” Luis just had to laugh at her. The poor thing was worried that if she got stretch marks Luis would never want to look at her in a bathing suit again.
“No sweetie, everything looks just the same, well almost the same.” He said referring to the big round bump. He was about half way in with the ice cube when the baby kicked, and the ice fell right out of Luis’ hand. They both laughed…hard.
“What are the chances that she would kick in the same place I had my hand?” Luis asked.
“Maybe she’s getting cold.” Sheridan said, a light tone to her voice.
Luis kissed her stomach, “I’m sorry baby. Daddy promises to let you sleep.”
Sheridan looked at him with such love. ‘He is going to be the best father, and he’s just so darn cute.’ She thought. Luis picked up yet another ice cube, started at the top of her leg, and then moved it towards the center of her thigh. As he got closer to her special area, Luis heard her breathing get shallow, and moved farther away. ‘Just a little teaser of things to come,’ he thought. The moved the ice down, and under her knee, then down her calf to her ankle. He lifted up her leg, and ran the ice over her ankle a few times, then dove in to suck on the they very sensitive flesh there. He had read that any part of a person’s body where there is little skin, and lots of nerves, is a pleasure point, and he sure picked the right spot. Sheridan was almost writhing in pleasure. He moved his mouth downwards, and sucked on her toes. He had never done that before, but Sheridan went wild.
The whole ice bit was such a turn on, but he was kissing and sucking on areas he had never touched before, and she loved it. He started with the other leg, but went straight down with the ice, and when he got to her knee, he stopped. He moved his head to the top of her leg, where he had left the water trail. Sheridan squirmed when she felt his warm breath his her thigh. He then proceeded to lick all of the water off. “Oh Luis.” He moved down to her ankle and toes, and gave them the same treatment he did the other foot.
“Luis, where did you learn all this knew stuff?” Sheridan asked in a sultry tone. He just shrugged his shoulders and put her toes in his mouth, licking and sucking each one.
“Come here Luis.” Sheridan commanded. He did, and Sheridan gave him the most passionate, steamy, kiss.
“Ooh, I like that.” Luis said when she finished. “But I’m not done with you yet.”
He reached into the container and got another ice cube. He moved to the bottom of the bed, and slightly spread Sheridan’s legs. She knew she was in for now. He took the ice cube, and ran it over her hot thigh. “Oh yeah.” She moaned, when Luis suctioned her thigh, and all of the water off it. He did the same to the other side, and slowly, very slowly inched the ice closer and closer to his destination. Sheridan watched with hooded eyes. She knew nothing could ever top this experience…nothing.
He finally reached her with the ice, and ran it over her sensitive flesh. He could see Sheridan writhing, and hear her, almost screaming.
“Are you all right?” He asked before he went any further. She shook her head yes, and he continued. He then spread her lips, and ran the ice over her, and then over her sensitive nub, and this time Sheridan did scream. Luis looked up immediately, and saw her head thrown back against the pillow, and her finger clenching and relaxing. He heard her breathing come back to normal and asked incredulously, “did you just have an orgasm?” She shook her head yes, the pleasure that filled her was too severe, and she couldn’t talk, she still needed more though. When she finally was able to speak she said,
“That’s one of three best things of being pregnant, your body is so overly sensitive, that making love his really wild.”
“What, are the other three?” Luis asked amusingly.
“Number two, not having a period for nine months.”
“That’s a plus, and what’s the third.” Sheridan laughed at him.
“I thought that was pretty obvious Luis.” He still looked at her questioningly.
“Having a baby.”
Luis smiled at her, “right.”
“I hope you aren’t finished with me, I still think I need some cooling down.”
Luis saw the passion in her eyes and continued. He thought he would surprise her a little, and melted the ice in his hand, and held it high in the air, waiting for the water to drop. Sheridan watched in anticipation, and swallowed hard. The tiny COLD water droplet came crashing down onto her sensitive nub, and she bucked her hips off the bed. Satisfied with the reaction he got, Luis lay down on the bed, facing the opposite direction as her, and ran the ice over her body again. Sheridan took this to her advantage, and unbuttoned and unzipped Luis’ pants. She snuck her hand in his boxer briefs. Just then, Luis circled her entrance with ice cube. Sheridan was so close to going off the edge again.
‘I can’t believe he’s teasing me like that,’ she thought. To get him back, just when Luis thought Sheridan was going to stroke his extremely hard manhood, she took her nails and encircled all sides of him, as lightly as possible, raked her nails down his length. Her nails reached one another after the lightly raked his tip, and Luis yelled in ecstasy. He looked at his wife stunned.
“What the hell was that are you trying to kill me?” Sheridan laughed at his response.
“I was just getting you back for teasing me.”
Luis raised an eyebrow, “oh yeah.”
She shook her head yes. Luis left the ice cube on her chest, and stripped his pants and shorts off, then rolled Sheridan over onto her side. He picked up his last ice cube, and ran it down Sheridan spine, and she shivered. He pressed his naked, hard body up against her, and she screamed,
“I have to have you now Luis.” But Luis was unrelenting. He still wanted to get back at her for that. He never thought it was possible to feel to teased, and turned on at the same time. Her little trick had him almost exploding in her hand. He sucked on her neck, while the hand underneath her played with her breasts, and the other one, continued to taunt her with the ice cube. He circled her entrance again with it, and her body started shaking lightly. Luis turned his wife over slowly and asked,
“Are you okay.”
“Yes, but ugnnhh, ohh Luis, mmmm, you have to take me now. You have me so turned on, that if I don’t have you inside me soon, I will just, oh God, I will just die.” Luis felt guilty for getting her so worked up, so he spread her legs opened, and said,
“We wouldn’t want that to happen, would we.” He put the tip of himself in her entrance, and took it back out.
“LUIS. It’s not nice to tease a pregnant lady” Sheirnda screamed.
“Sorry, I just had to get back at you one last time for that little stunt of yours.”
Luis finally entered her, and they made love for as long as they both could stand it. Sheridan felt so many waves of love come over her, as Luis and her made love that she hadn’t even thought about Ethan. Luis and her hadn’t made love for so long, and when they did, it was as if it almost filled a little void in her heart. Nothing could ever replace Ethan, but al least for the time being, she could take a little break from the pain, and enjoy life; soon enough, she would be experiencing the greatest pain of her life.
Sheridan came walked into Luis’ office, wearing a button down nightshirt, that hit mid thigh, and was rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Luis was on the phone when she entered, and he didn’t see her coming. When she approached the side of his chair, Luis swiveled around to catch a glimpse at his extremely uncomfortable wife, and her growing belly. He switched the phone to his left hand, and extended his right arm, for Sheridan to enter. She sat on his lap, and laid her head on his shoulder, while Luis wrapped his arm around her waist. Sheridan tried to wake herself up while Luis was finishing his phone conversation.
“Yeah, okay I will bring the files to the station around one tomorrow. Bye Joe.” Luis hung up the phone and kissed his wife’s forehead.
“How was your nap baby?”
Sheridan yawned, “not long enough.” Luis laughed and kissed her again.
“How are you feeling?”
“Okay I guess. I can never seem to take a descent breath.” Luis nodded. Sheridan looked up at Luis’ computer screen.
“And what have you been doing all day. What’s this, a pregnancy web page?” Sheridan asked, with humor in her voice.
“Why is that so funny? You seem shocked that I want to know what’s going on with your body and the baby.” Sheridan felt bad for laughing at him, and rubbed his cheek.
“No sweetie, it’s not funny. I guess I was just a little surprised. I thought you would be doing work.”
“I forgive you, (They kissed.) but I want you to know that you and the baby are more important to me than work okay. You are more important to me than anything else in the world. You know that right?”
The sincerity in Luis’ words, and the love in his eyes, combined with the higher hormone levels sent Sheridan into a crying fit. ‘Damn,’ Luis thought. He laughed to himself, and tried to calm Sheridan down.
“Why don’t you look at some of the stuff I found on the Internet with me, it’s very cool.”
Sheridan picked her head up from Luis’ shoulder, dried her eyes, and shook her head. Luis kissed Sheridan’s shoulder, where her oversized nightgown had fallen to reveal her silky smooth skin, and then he picked up the mouse to show Sheridan all of the stuff he learned.
“Did you know that week 28, that’s you guys, (Luis ran his hand up and down his wife’s thigh) is the "age of viability" when the baby can survive if it’s born prematurely. Oh, you’re gonna love this, the baby can hear us talking now, and they advise that we sing to the baby. You are a great singer Sheridan.”
Sheridan’s mood was elevating with each one of Luis’ facts. The look on his face was so animated and excited, that Sheridan couldn’t help but get pulled into happy mood.
“That’s great Luis, but I can barely breath, let alone sing. I think you should sing to her.” Sheridan stated with a bright smile.
Luis shook his head. “Ut uh, no way Sheridan. You know I can’t sing am totally tone deaf, and my voice is…no, no way, not gonna happen.”
Sheridan ran her fingers over Luis’ lips. “I love your voice sweetie, and if I love it I’m sure the baby will too.”
“I found out some other stuff that you’d like. Hey look, I made a birth plan for us. They had an on-line survey, and you just add all of your birth choices, so you are totally, 100% ready for delivery. Here, I printed ours. Take a look at it.” Sheridan laughed at his blatant attempt to change the subject, but she couldn’t press him on it; not after he did the most caring thing ever.
“Luis, do you know that you are the best, most loving, most caring, absolute BEST husband in the whole entire world.”
“Aww, not until just now.”
They kissed and Luis could see the tears starting to collect in her beautiful eyes, and knew he had to do something before they fell.
“I have an idea, why don’t we get you something to eat, and then we’ll look at the birth plan.” Sheridan seemed to like that idea.
“Ooh, can I have some strawberry ice cream, and I think (she put her finger on her chin, in a thinking pose)…a pickle.”
“Anything for you sweetie, anything for you.”
After their little ice cream snack, Luis and Sheridan returned to Luis’ office to look at the pregnancy web pages some more. Sheridan pulled up a chair and Luis pouted.
“What’s wrong sweetie, don’t you want to share a chair with your handsome husband?”
“I thought I might be a little to heavy to sit on your lap.” He grabbed her and pulled her down on his lap.
“You could never be too heavy for me.” Here’s our birth plan, look at this.
The Lopez-Fitzgerald Family Birth Plan
Mother-to-be: Sheridan
Partner: Luis
Due Date: 09/22/01
Place of Birth: Hospital
This birth plan is intended to express the preference and desires we have for the birth of our baby. It is not intended to be a script. We fully realize that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to keep us informed and aware of our options. Thank you.
First Stage (Labor):
* Music of our choice.
* Would prefer not to have students, residents etc.
* Would prefer to keep vaginal exams to a minimum.
* Maintain mobility (Walking, rocking, up to bathroom, etc.)
* Clear fluids.
* Continuous Monitoring with external monitor.
* Please do not offer me pain medications, I am under doctor's orders, and cannot receive any mediatino for pain
* Water (Shower or Tub). * Massage (back, foot, counter pressure, etc.).
* Ultra low dose epidural (walking epidural)
Second Stage (Birth):
* Choice of position
* Directed Bearing Down
* Stirrups
* I would prefer no episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning.
Baby Care:
* Cut cord immediately
* Prefer partner to cut the cord.
* Delay the eye medication
* Breast-feeding only
* Separation only after recovery period
“Wow Luis, you did all this? I’m so proud of you.”
“Aww, Sheri, you make me blush.” Sheridan hit him playfully on the shoulder.
“What else ‘ya got?”
“I have a list of things to pack in your bag for the hospital. Here, take a look at this.” He handed her a checklist.
LABOR BAG
· Lip Balm
· Watch with second hand
· Tooth brushes for everyone and Tooth paste
· Pillows from home (Use colored cases to distinguish from your birth place's linens)
· Music you would like (You may need to provide your own CD Player or Tape Player)
· Camera with film and batteries
· Camcorder with charged batteries and accessories
· Signed copies of your birth plan
· Water bottles for ice
· Your own wash cloths, colored ones work better
· Waterproof pads for the car ride
· Any clothes of your own that you wish to wear
· List of people to call after the baby is born
· Massage tools (Oils, massagers, etc.)
· Change of clothes for partner, including swim trunks for shower
· Baby Book for getting the foot prints done by the nurse when she does the paperwork
· Focal Point
· Socks for mom
· Special foods or drinks
· Snacks for labor support
· Calling Card for Long Distance Calls
· Anything else you think you can use (Candles, pictures, etc.)
Postpartum bag
· Nursing bras
· Going home outfit for baby
· More film
· Another change of clothes for partner
· Your own personal nightgown robe (They will get dirty!)
· Personal Hygiene items (shampoo, your own pads, etc.)
· Car Seat
· Blanket for Baby
· Going home outfit for mom (You will still be about 6 months pregnant looking)
· Birth announcements
“Well, you really are on top of the ball aren’t you sweetie?” Sheridan kissed her wonderful husband.
“Yes I am. And guess what, I know how much you hate Lamaze class, so there is a web site here that tells you all the same stuff they do in class, and you don’t even have to go.”
“Ooh, I like that.” Luis looked at Sheridan seriously.
“Why don’t you like the class sweetie?”
“I don’t know. I guess I just figure that once I get to the whole labor part, I will say screw it to the Lamaze anyway, so what’s the point in going to the class.”
“I understand Sheridan, but you know that doctor said that you can’t have any kind of epidural. No painkillers of any kind. The baby has already been exposed to too many drugs, and from what I’ve read, you might want to learn some of the techniques they use in the class, it could cut down on some of the pain.” Sheridan stood up abruptly, and left the room crying. ‘Crap, what did I say now?’ Luis thought.
Luis walked into the bedroom slowly, and sat down on the bed, next to his crying wife.
“Tell me what’s wrong baby.”
Sheridan immediately latched on to her husband, and cried. She was still crying, but able to speak, so she tried to convey how she was feeling to Luis.
“How am going to get through the delivery Luis, with no painkillers of any kind. I’ve watched a baby story; I’ve seen how much it hurts. Some woman have a natural child birth, but other’s are in so much that they are writhing away on their beds, but eventually they take the drugs. I don’t have an option Luis. I’m so scared. I’m so scared that the pain is going to be too much and I just won’t be able to handle it. What if I pass out from it, then they’ll have to do a C-section. The doctor wants to do one already, maybe we should. Maybe I should have a C-section to prevent anything from happening to that baby.”
Luis comforted Sheridan. “Well sweetheart, we’ve discussed this already, and if you want to have a C-section then it’s up to you. It is your body, and the doctor did say that there could be complications, complications that might not occur if you have the cesarean.”
“But Luis, I know how much you want to have this baby naturally. I know how you’ve pictured your wife giving birth, with you on the side coaching her through it. I don’t think it should be my decision alone. It may be my body, but you are the baby’s father, you should get a say it what happens. But I can’t stress enough how scared I am.” Luis took Sheridan’s hands in his and looked her straight in the eye.
“Sheridan, you have nothing to be scared of. Yes, you’re right, it is going to hurt a lot, but I’m going to be right there with you. I am going to support you the whole time. I’m going to de everything I can to make you comfortable and make you feel secure during the whole birth. I promise you that no matter what happens, and not just during the birth, but also in life, I will be by your side, holding your hand, and getting you through any obstacle that comes our way. I love you, and that love will protect you, no matter what the circumstance. Now, are you still scared?”
“Yes, but not as much, thank you Luis.”
“Hey, you don’t have to thank me, that’s what I’m here for. I know I won’t be the one actually giving birth, and I know I haven’t gone through all the aches and pains pregnancy has to offer like you have, but when you’re in pain Sheridan, I feel it to the depths of my soul, and I will do ANYTHING to make that pain go away. Speaking of alleviating some pain, let’s try out something else I found out today.”
“What’s that?”
“Lay on your side.” She did, and Luis started to massage her back, just like he had seen on the Internet today.
“Oh sweetie, you learned this on the internet today? Oh, it feels wonderful. You have to do this more often.”
He kissed her cheek, and continued to move his thumbs against her spine. “No problem. This gives me an idea.”
“What’s that?”
“Well, I learned hot to rid you of some of your backaches, by researching it, and learning as much as I possibly can. Maybe, if you read everything you can find on the subject of labor, you won’t be as scared, because you’ll know what to expect, and maybe you can even chat with some other woman who went through natural child birth. The first person I think you should talk to is mama. She’s had five children, and the first one was born with absolutely no painkillers, she didn’t even make it to the hospital. Antonio was born in the middle of a snow storm, and mama’s sister and mother had to do the delivering.”
“That is a great idea Luis, and you know what else?”
“What?” Sheridan reached her arm behind her and wrapped it around Luis’ neck to bring his head to her lips.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” Just then the baby decided to kick and Sheridan giggled.
“What’s so funny?”
“The baby just kicked.”
“Well, I think she wants in on some of the action. We love you too baby.” Luis kissed Sheridan and the baby, and he continued to kiss them both silly for the rest of this night.
“Luis, LUIS.” Sheridan yelled from the living room. Luis walked in and saw her struggling to stand up from the couch. He walked over to her, and pulled her up to a standing position and kissed her.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” Luis stated.
The next day, Sheridan made Luis drive 45 minutes each way to get her apple cider from her favorite corner store. Sheridan and Luis had stopped there on their way to New York City once and she became addicted to the cute little store and the adorable owners. Luis walked in the front door, and Sheridan waddled over to greet him. Luis thought he was going to get a big hug and kiss for going out of his way, but Sheridan quickly snatched the bag of apple cider from his arms and went into the kitchen to heat it up.
Two days later, everyone was sound asleep at the Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald house, dreaming sweet dreams. Thoughts of the wonderful day when they would hold their baby in their arms, bunnies, beautiful fields, butterflies, a naked woman tied to an office desk, mouth gagged, whips and chains being used to pleasure her…wait a minute. Sheridan was moaning in her sleep, while VIVID dreams of sex ran ramped through her brain. Her brain conjured up the most erotic visions, and Oh My God…Sheridan woke up screaming in ecstasy. Luis quickly sprang from his pleasant state of sleep.
“What’s wrong Sheridan, is it the baby? Are you in labor?”
Sheridan came down off of her high, and her breathing returned to normal. Luis brushed some damp tendrils of hair off of her forehead.
“Are you okay sweetheart?” Sheridan grabbed her husband, and pulled him into a steamy kiss, and said, “Everything is just fine.”
She winked at him, and then rolled into a different position and went to sleep, leaving Luis thinking, ‘what the hell was that.’ When Sheridan repeated the same thing three days later, he forced it out of her. He was upset that she was having fun without him, but understood that it was her hormones, and could not be helped.
“Listen Sheridan,” Luis said, “next time you have one of those dreams, wake me up. I’ll be more than happy to make one of your dreams reality.”
Little did he know that some of her dreams were so nasty that they would make a porn star blush. Needless to say, Sheridan was happy when bedtime rolled around.
Sheridan and Luis had just gotten home, and Sam, Miguel, and Hank were still unloading presents from each of their cars. Sheridan’s baby shower was earlier that morning, and boy did she make out nicely.
“I’m going to lay down honey, can you please put all of the stuff in the large guest room so we can sort through it.”
Sheridan wobbled off to her bedroom, while Luis was stuck with the horrible task of cataloguing all the baby gifts.
Sheridan was taking a bath, to relax some of her muscles. Putting together baby accessories was a lot of work. Although Luis did most of it, Sheridan’s muscles were so weak from the extra weight that sitting on the floor most of the day was like torture. Sheridan was rubbing soothing circles on her extremely large belly, when she felt the baby kick. No wait, it wasn’t a kick, it wasn’t an elbow, a hand, or a foot, no it was her whole body. Sheridan remembered reading something that said if you feel the whole body jerk, that the baby was having hiccups. ‘Oh,’ Sheridan thought, ‘that is the cutest thing.’
“Luis, Luis come in here quick.” Luis raced into the bathroom.
“What’s wrong Sheridan, is it the baby? Are you in labor?” Sheridan gave Luis a sarcastic look.
“Is that your new saying, because I swear you say it at least twice a day?” He took at seat on the edge of the tub.
“I’m sorry sweetie, I’m just preparing myself for when the real thing happens.”
Sheridan laughed at him, and she felt it again. She grabbed Luis’ hands, and placed them on her stomach.
“Oh Luis, you’ve got to feel this, the baby has hiccups. Isn’t that the cutest thing you’ve ever heard of?”
Luis felt it too, the baby was hiccupping. He kissed his wife’s damp forehead, “Yes baby, that is the cutest thing, but are you sure. Are you in any pain?”
“You don’t believe me?” Sheridan stated before she broke out into a fit of tears. Luis kneeled by the tub, and took her hand in his, “Of course I believe you sweetheart.”
Sheridan scootched over to Luis and buried her face in his chest. Luis rubbed her neck, his fingers flirting with the bottom of her hair.
“I have an idea, why don’t I join you in your bath, and you can tell me all about breastfeeding class.” Sheridan dried her eyes, and smiled up at him.
“Okay.”
‘Thank God, I can’t wait for this pregnancy to be over with,’ Luis thought.
The next day Sheridan was reading a book on the couch. She had already gone to the bathroom twenty times and had eaten seven snacks that day, and it was only noon. Sheridan had finally sat down, and picked up her book again. She heard the phone ring, and the Luis answered it. She saw Luis walk into the den, and come over to her. The look on his face was ominous.
“What’s wrong Luis, what is it?”
“It’s your father Sheridan, he’s in the hospital.”
“Do you want me to come in with you?” Luis asked.
“Yes, I think it would mean something to father to have us both visit him.”
Luis didn’t want to tell Sheridan, but in the back of his mind, he still wasn’t convinced of Alistair’s sudden change of heart, and he still harbored bad feelings towards him. Sheridan could see the wheels turning his Luis’ brain, and blurted out,
“Listen Luis, I know you still dislike my father, but he has proven to all of us that he has changed. He even tried to HELP your father after he had murdered someone, in my defense. He is giving us Crane industries. Do you understand what that means Luis? He has made us the richest people in the world, AND our children and their children, and their children, and so on, will be set for life. Oh, and let’s not forget the million dollars that he gave your mother. I know he has done other terrible things in his life, I am not condoning what he has done, or asking you to forget it, but after everything he has done for us, not to mention he is my father, I think you could cut him a little slack. You haven’t even given him a chance. God Luis, he’s dying for crying out loud. ”
Sheridan was steamed, and Luis knew he was the cause. Sheridan was breathing heavily after he little outburst, but something prevented her from crying, which she was happy for. The last thing she wanted was comfort from Luis, after she just screamed at him. Luis took Sheridan’s swollen hands in his.
“I’m sorry, you’re right sweetheart. Your father has proven himself to be a good guy, and I’m sorry that I haven’t given him a chance. I will make my best effort to be kind to him.”
“Thank you Luis,” Sheridan said as she entered her husbands arms,
“That’s all I ask.” She smiled up at him, and the doctor came out of Alistair’s room.
“How is he doctor,” Sheridan asked.
The doctor ushered them to sit down, and they did.
“Your father suffered from heart failure. As you know he has Fibrodysplasia (Myositis) Ossificans Progressiva. His body is starting to calcify, and this has affected the muscles around his heart. They unfortunately, stopped working, which sub sequentially stopped his heart. He is in stable condition now, and you can see him for as long as you like. I must warn you, that this is the beginning of the end for your father. He has been diagnosed with the disease for a while now, but it has just started its physical effects. I am going to be honest and say he only has a few months more to live. When the disease hits this stage, it usually progresses rapidly. He will have to stay in the hospital from now until his final day. If you would like to take him out for a few hours, or even care for him at home, and have a private nurse with him at all times, that is permissible.”
“Thank you doctor.” Sheridan said feebly. Luis shook the doctors hand, and they went to see Alistair.
“Hello father,” Sheridan said quietly.
“Hello my dear. Oh my, look how big you’ve gotten. How much longer do you have left?”
“A month.”
“Oh, I just might be able to see my granddaughter.” Sheridan started crying.
“Don’t say that father, there’s in no doubt in my mind that you will see her. I was thinking of naming her after you, possibly Alison, or something that starts with an A.”
“That’s very nice of you darling, but I don’t deserve it.”
Sheridan asked Luis to push a chair next to Alistair’s bed, and then to let her have a few minutes alone with her father. Luis obliged, and left the room, but not before saying,
“I’ll be back in here in half an hour.”
Sheridan nodded her head, and albeit reluctantly, Luis left. When he entered the hallway, he had no idea what to do, so he called Julian, and Ivy, told them the situation, and sat down in the waiting room, to read a magazine.
Sheridan sat down in the chair, and tentatively reached a hand out for her fathers. He took it willingly, and they talked. Sheridan took a deep breath.
“I need something to remember you by father, I want my daughter to having something of yours.” Alistair looked at Sheridan sternly.
“You listen to me Sheridan. I was cruel. I was cruel to you, and your brother, and your nephews and nieces. The only thing I ever cared about was myself and Crane industries, and keeping the Crane name out of the papers. And that very thing is what caused your mother to turn away from me. I bet you never knew this, but I was engaged to your mother’s sister, but she had died in a terrible yachting accident. I loved that woman with all of my heart and soul. She had this fire about her, and she made life a new and exciting adventure for me. When she died, I was crushed, and vowed never to open myself up like that again. I ended up marrying your mother to keep up with the family tradition, and marry wealthy and of good stature. All your mother ever wanted was love, and I never gave it to her. I never showed it. Over the years, I grew to love her just as much as I did her sister. Although I loved them in two separate ways. When your mother was on her death bed, I tried to get her to turn to me, to make her believe I loved her, but all the years of neglect took it’s toll. I was so wrapped up in the Crane business that I had totally neglected Katherine. I told your mother, right before she died, that I loved her, and she turned away from me. I’m afraid that hardened my heart even more. When it came to you, I thought that I couldn’t love another soul, or I would end up being hurt again. I manipulated you Sheridan, I said cold, and callous things to you. I made you believe that you had murdered somebody. I yelled at you, made you feel like that worst human being ever. I tried to shrink your self-confidence so much, that you would always obey me. I’m afraid I did the same thing to Julian. I was always telling him how useless he was. He had trained for years to take over Crane industries, but I knew he would be too old when it happened. I knew I was going to pick Ethan as my heir. Enough about Julian. When it came to love Sheridan, you just couldn’t be stopped. Once you found Luis, I was afraid that he would find out about the murder, and take down the family. I was sick, Sheridan, I had an unhealthy obsession with the family business. I even went so far as to hire someone to kill Luis. And the only thing I can offer in consolation, in the business, the money, and my deepest regret. I know a measly ‘I’m sorry,’ can never make up for all the pain an anguish I have put you through, but that’s all I have. Do you forgive me Sheridan?”
Sheridan sat there for a while; trying to digest everything she had heard. Never in her wildest dreams, would she expect the Almighty Alistair Crane to apologize, and admit to all his wrong doings. She was in shock. After mulling about it for five minutes, Sheridan broke the silence with a huge sob, and jumped into her fathers’ arms.
“Of course I forgive you daddy. I love you.”
Alistair looked Sheridan straight in the eyes, and from the depths of his soul uttered, “I love you too.”
Sheridan buried her head in his chest, and cried. Alistair stroked his daughter’s hair.
“I can’t believe how good it feels to say that Sheridan. I love you, and even in death, my love for you will never fade. My sweet princess. You are so beautiful Sheridan. I’m sure your daughter will most gorgeous.” Sheridan looked up at her father.
“The baby.” She whispered absent-mindedly. ‘The baby will never get to know her grandparents.’ Sheridan got her wits about her, and said what she had been thinking through Alistair’s speech.
“I’m sorry to hear that about mother. I know what it felt like to be loved by her, and you missed out on something wonderful. However, I lost mother a long time ago, and I can’t believe that I’m losing you too. I just lost Ethan, you can’t leave me too daddy, you can’t. Julian doesn’t love me; you’re all I have left. Don’t leave me daddy, please. Please don’t leave me.”
Sheridan was crying hysterically now, and nothing would soothe her.
“I just got my father back, after all these years, and now you’re being taken away from me. Please daddy, don’t leave me. I love you, I love you.”
Sheridan was crying into Alistair’s chest, and unfortunately couldn’t see the one thing, that Alistair had never done, at least in front of anybody in his whole entire life. He shed a single tear. Sheridan felt it on the back of her neck, and looked up. Once she saw the tears in her father’s eyes, she had no control over he body what so ever, and her sobs turned violent. Luis heard all of the commotion coming from Alistair’s room, and quickly ran to the room, and looked in the window. He saw Sheridan holding onto her father, and crying, while Alistair was stroking her hair. He could hear Alistair saying,
“I love you too Sheridan, so much. You are my baby, and I will carry your love with me wherever I go. Just knowing you love me, is such a great comfort to me. I’m not scared of dying Sheridan, and I don’t want you to feel bad either.”
Sheridan’s tears stopped and she looked up at him in shock.
“How can I not be sad father? I finally get your love, the one thing in the world that I have strived for. The one thing I knew was unattainable, but I never stopped wishing for, and now that I finally have, I won’t let anybody take it away from me, not even God.”
“Shh, Sheridan, nobody can take my love away from you. It will always be in your heart.”
She held onto her father again.
“No, daddy, I won’t let you go. I won’t let you leave me.”
“Sheridan. My sweet. Why don’t you go get Luis, I think you need his comfort right
now.” Sheridan stood to get Luis, and immediately yelped, and put a hand to her stomach, and another on the arm of the chair to steady herself. When Luis saw this, he rushed inside. Sheridan was taking some calming breaths when he approached her.
“What’s wrong Sheridan?” He placed his hands around her waist, and she leaned into his embrace. The last thirty minutes of her life, ha left her drained. Sheridan looked up into Luis’ eyes and said,
“I think I just had a contraction.”
Luis’ eyes widened, and he stared at Sheridan in shock. “You, you WHAT?” Luis practically screamed.
“You can’t be going into labor now, you still have a month left, I still need another month. We don’t have your bag…”
“Luis, just calm down. Father, can you please press the button to get the nurse in here, and we’ll take it from there.”
She turned back to Luis, and looked at him strangely. She couldn’t believe he had lost his cool like that. Not Luis, he was a cop for crying out loud, they are pretty calm in hectic situations, and here Luis was ranting like a fool. The nurse came in a minute later.
“Is everything okay Mr. Crane?”
“Yes, but my daughter things she just had a contraction.”
The nurse looked at Sheridan, and said, “stay right here, I’m going to get a wheelchair, and take you to the maternity ward okay?”
Sheridan shook her head yes, and Luis just shook his head, and massaged his temples.
“Are you okay Luis?” Sheridan asked, trying to suppress her laughter.
“Yes, sweetie I’m fine, I’m more worried about you.” Sheridan took Luis’ hand, and kissed him palm.
“I feel fine, maybe it was just a bad case of indigestion.”
The nurse came back in with the wheelchair, and wheeled Sheridan to an examining room. Lucky for them, Dr. Andrews, Sheridan’s doctor, was there, she had just delivered a healthy baby boy. She examined Sheridan, while Luis sat in a chair in the corner of the room, biting his nails.
“Well Sheridan, it looks like you were right, you did have a contraction.” Dr. Andrews said. Luis almost fainted.
“But, they are only Braxton-Hicks. You will probably experience them from time to time until you actually go into labor.”
“How can I tell the difference between this and real labor?”
“Well, when you go into labor the pains will feel a little different than they do now, and they won’t stop after a few hours, and they will become more frequent.”
“Thank you doctor.”
“Your welcome, and don’t forget to call me when the real thing happens.”
“I won’t.” Sheridan replied with a smile.
The doctor left the room, and Sheridan saw Luis in his chair, saying some prayers.
“Luis.” Sheridan said cautiously.
“Yes, Sheridan.”
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah, I am, are you?”
“Yes Luis, let’s just go up and tell my father what’s going on first.”
“Okay.”
While they were in the elevator, going to Alistair’s room, Luis turned to Sheridan.
“Sheridan.”
“Yes sweetie.”
“Can you please not tell anybody I acted like such a wimp?” Sheridan laughed at him and said,
“Of course Luis, your secret is safe with me.” She hid her face from him the rest of the way to her father’s room, because she couldn’t stop the giggles.
Two days later, it was two in the morning, and Sheridan woke up with her usual third trimester insomnia. She was sitting on a stool in her kitchen, eating a very decadent snack. Luis rolled over, and threw is arm over, so he could drape it over his wife’s big belly, but she wasn’t there. He waited five minutes, thinking she had gone to the bathroom, and when she didn’t came back, he went to find her. He saw the light on in the kitchen, and went to see if she was okay. He saw her sitting on a stool by the island, two fingers swimming in melted chocolate.
“Now did you get up just so you could make a pig of yourself?” Luis asked his extremely large wife. Sheridan looked up from the magazine she was reading.
“No, I just had this immense craving for chocolate, and I couldn’t sleep anyway, so why not indulge myself. Besides I only have three more weeks to pig out and look like a cow. After the baby is born, I have to lose every single pound I’ve gained, and get my figure back.”
Luis massaged his wife’ back, while she leaned into him. He kissed her cheek and said,
“Sweetheart, I will always love you, no matter what you look like.”
Sheridan turned the stool around rapidly, “are you saying that you don’t think I can look the way I did before I got pregnant?”
“No Sheridan, I’m not saying that at all.”
“In case you have forgotten Luis, it’s your fault I look like a whale. I didn’t get pregnant on my own, that was all your doing.”
Luis was taken aback. She had been nasty before from the mood swings, but never had she been so cruel with her words. Luis stood there speechless, trying to keep the hurt out of his eyes, but Sheridan say it anyway. She leaned into Luis’s stomach and hugged him tight.
“I’m so sorry Luis.” She sobbed. “I don’t know what made me say a horrible thing like that.”
“It’s okay baby, I know you’re uncomfortable and…”
Just then, Sheridan slumped over in the chair, and her breathing sounded funny.
“What is it Sheridan? What’s wrong?” She took a few more breaths, and looked up at Luis.
“I can breathe again. The baby just moved away from my rib cage. Oh, that feels so much better.” She covered her mouth with her hands and squealed.
“What Sheridan?”
“That means the baby just moved into position. Oh yeah.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The doctor calls it "engagement" and it means the baby's head has moved down into the opening of my pelvis. She’s getting into the position to be born. Isn’t that great?” Luis gave his wife a big kiss.
“Yes sweetheart, that’s great.” Luis was still standing in front of her, hugging her, and he was totally shocked when he felt Sheridan push him away and say,
“I just thought of a much better way to enjoy my chocolate.”
Before Luis could respond Sheridan took her two chocolate-covered fingers, and started at Luis neck, and made two lines down to his belly button. Sheridan gave Luis an impish look, and proceeded to lick the chocolate of his chest. When she got to his belly button she licked around the rim, and dipped her tongue in, she felt Luis shaking, and new she was tickling him.
“I think I need some more.” She said innocently. “You know, to satisfy my cravings.”
Luis raised an eyebrow and shook his head yes. Sheridan dipped her fingers again, and circled them around Luis’ nipple. Sheridan quickly went to work at lapping the chocolate off of Luis’ nipple. She circled it, and lightly nipped it. When she heard Luis moan, she soothed it with her tongue.
“Oh Sheridan, you better plan on continuing this, ‘cause if you don’t then we have to stop now.” She slopped chocolate on his other nipple, and gave that said the same torture she had the other.
“I don’t know Luis, can we make love so late into the pregnancy, especially now that the baby has dropped into position? I don’t think it’s safe.” Luis stared at his wife incredulously.
“So you were just going to turn me on, and leave me in a hard spot?”
“No, I was going to finish what a started. I was especially having fun with the chocolate, two scrumptious cravings, satisfied at once, Mmmmmm.” Luis laughed at his wife.
“Ok Luis, if you can go on the Internet, and give me solid proof that it’s okay to have sex, then you won’t be the only being pleasured tonight.”
Luis looked at Sheridan for reassurance, and when she shook her head yes, Luis ran into his office and booted up the computer as fast as he possibly could. After a few minutes, he turned to the kitchen and dropped the paper in his hand. Sheridan was now sitting on the island, with her nightgown falling off her shoulders, and the bottom bunched up, revealing just enough leg, and she was licked chocolate off her finger in such a way, that Luis grew even more excited in a matter of seconds. Luis bent down and picked up the piece of paper, and Sheridan read it. It read:
(http://www.childbirth.org/AskACBE/pregnancy/preg50.html)
Q. I was just wondering is it bad to have sex during your pregnancy, even if the guy doesn’t have an orgasm?
A. Except in medically indicated cases and after your bag of waters has broken, sex during pregnancy is perfectly fine. The baby is well protected in its bag of waters and the cervix is closed and protected by the mucus plug. And your partner can have an orgasm; it won't hurt you or the baby. It's also normal for the baby to become more active after intercourse or after you have an orgasm.... it’s thought that it is because the baby gets a lot of oxygen from the increased blood flow to the uterus and the gentle contractions that happen during orgasm. Your partner won't be able to hit the baby's head and the baby won't be able to "see" what's going on. Sex in pregnancy can be helpful in increasing closeness between a couple during pregnancy. If you are concerned that you should not be having sex during pregnancy, talk to your caregiver.
Sheridan threw the paper behind her, “well, I’m convinced.”
Luis released a breath that he had been holding, and helped Sheridan back on the floor. He pulled the straps of her nightgown down, and the silk fabric fell to the floor. He stared at his wife’s beautiful body.
“You’re so gorgeous Sheridan.”
“Thank you Luis.”
She was so happy he still thought she was sexy, even with a stomach that stuck a foot out of her body. Luis caressed his wife’s wonderful body, and grabbed her hips. He left her there, waiting for Luis’ next move, and when she didn’t expect it, he entered her from behind, and they made love, standing up, in the kitchen.
Two weeks later, Luis was sitting on the couch watching the pro bowl from Hawaii, when Sheridan walked into the living room. She flashed Luis a big beautiful smile, and he held his arm out to her. She sat on his lap, and he gave her a kiss. He meant for it to be short and sweet, but Sheridan apparently had other ideas. She grabbed onto Luis’ neck, and deepened the kiss. When she pulled back, she was still smiling. Luis brushed a piece of hair out of her face.
“Wow, what’s gotten into you?”
“Can’t I just kiss the person I love most in world?” “
Aww, of course you can sweetie. So, what’s up?”
“Remember the doctor said when my contractions reached 20 minutes apart, because I had a high-risk pregnancy, we should call her, and let her know. Well…I called her.”
Luis thought about what she had just said, and then it sunk in.
“You…you just called…Sheridan.” He stood up, and took her wife with him. He cradled her in his arms.
“Oh My God, it’s time. You’re…AHHHH.” He swung Sheridan around, and put her down quickly. “Oh, I’m sorry, are you okay.”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Okay, let’s get your bag and take you to the hospital, to have out BABY. AHHHH.”
The hugged again, shared a short kiss, and Luis picked up Sheridan’s bag.
“Do you have everything Luis?” He looked around and shook his head yes.
“Let’s get going beautiful.” He said.
Luis wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist, and they walked to the car, and went to the hospital to have their baby girl.
The doctor asked Sheridan to go into the bathroom and change into her hospital gown, but before she went in, she asked Luis to call Dr. White. She remembered him saying he would like to deliver the baby, and Dr. Andrews Okayed the idea. When she came back out, Sheridan was given an internal exam to determine how far along she was. She was only dilated to two centimeter. They took her temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and hooked up an external baby monitor.
“Okay Sheridan, I’m going to leave for a while. You still have a long way to go. You know what to do from here on, just breath through the contractions, and a nurse will come in and check on you periodically.”
Sheridan shook her head, and the doctor left Sheridan and Luis alone. Luis turned to his wife; they were both smiling so brightly.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, it doesn’t hurt that much right now, just mild cramps. Nothing I can’t handle.” Luis looked at Sheridan; he couldn’t believe this was happening. He was so excited.
“Listen Sheridan, before I call everybody, I think we need to have a little talk.”
“Okay, go on.” She urged him. Luis sat on the bed, and took Sheridan’s hands in his.
“I want to tell you that I love you from the bottom of my heart, and no one in my entire life has made me happier than you do every single day. I am so proud of you for being strong. You’ve endured so much, with the kidnapping, and Beth, and your father. You’ve had enough physical pain to last you a lifetime, and I want you to know how much it means to me that you still have a positive attitude, and are willing to endure so much pain today to bring our child into the world. You know if I could take some of the pain away, I would take it all on myself in heartbeat. I hate seeing you suffer, but I know that that’s impossible. Just know, that throughout this whole thing, I will be with you, supporting you, and not just today, but always. I love you so much. Thank you for being the best wife a husband has ever had, and in a few hours, when we hold our precious daughter in our arms, I know that you are going to be the best mother in the entire world.”
Luis reached up to brush some of the tears that had fallen down her face.
“Oh Luis. I love you so much, and all the pain will be worth it, when we get to see our daughter. There’s just one thing.”
“What’s that?” Luis asked.
“Try not to make me cry anymore okay?”
“I’ll try my best.” They both laughed, and shared a short kiss. Luis brought his hand up to Sheridan’s neck, and rested his forehead against Sheridan’s
“I love you mommy.”
“I love you too daddy.”
They shared a heartfelt kiss, when someone clearing their throat interrupted them. They both looked over and saw Eve standing the doorway.
“I heard someone with the last name Lopez-Fitzgerald had gone into labor, and I took a chance it might be you.” Eve stated through a smile. Luis laughed.
“You were right, the name is unique isn’t it.” Sheridan looked at her husband.
“To say the least.”
Eve walked over to the bed.
“How are you feeling?”
“Not bad. I’m only dilated to two centimeters.”
“Has your water broken yet?”
“No.”
“Well, you just treasure this moment of peace, while you can sweetie, before you know it, they doctors and nurses will be moving things around and yelling, and you’ll be screaming, and then the baby will be screaming. Actually Sheridan, why don’t you try and get some rest.”
“I think that’s a good idea Eve, she’s going to need all of her strength later.” Luis chimed in.
“Okay you two, I get it. I’ll try and sleep for a while.” Luis kissed Sheridan one last time, and went to call his family.
“I’ll come in and check on her periodically Luis.”
“Thanks Eve.”
Luis sat down in the father’s waiting/resting room, and pulled out his cell.
“Mama, it’s Luis.”
“Hola mijo, is everything okay?”
“Oh yeah, but Sheridan has gone into labor and is here in the hospital.” Luis heard a brief pause.
“Mama…mama, are you still there?”
“AHHHHHHH!!!” Luis pulled the phone away from his ear.
The other father’s in the room heard Pilar’s scream, and gave Luis a knowing look. One father laughed and asked, “Grandmother?” Luis smiled, “yeah.”
“Mama, calm down.” She was still screaming on the other end of the phone, but this time he heard other voices screaming with her. Martin picked up the phone.
“Luis, we’ll be at the hospital in a few minutes.”
“Papa, is Miguel there?”
“No, of course not.”
“Good, call the Bennett’s and get him, and have him tell Sam and Grace.”
“Okay son, I can’t believe I’m gonna be a grandpa, YEAH!”
“Okay, papa, I’ve lost my hearing so I’m gonna go.”
Luis hung up the phone and shook his head. He debated whether or not to call Julian, but decided to call, so Julian could call Dr. White. After his talk with Julian, and Ivy, Luis had one last person to tell. The elevator rang and he stepped off of it. Luis lifted his fist, it had never felt so heavy before. He knocked on the door, and the nurse on the other side let him in. Alistair looked up at Luis. Sheridan had visited him many times over the past two months, and he loved every second of it. As the time drew on, it became harder and harder to do things, and now, he was very close to his final days. He could barely move, and talking was very difficult.
“Hello Alistair. I just came to tell you that Sheridan is in labor. I’m sure she’ll want to visit you when she’s up to it.”
Luis was about to leave when he heard a faint whisper,
“Thank you Luis.”
Luis turned around and nodded, and left. Alistair closed his eyes, and continued in his struggle to breath. ‘I hope I get to see my granddaughter,’ he thought.
Luis went back into Sheridan’s room, and saw the lights off. She was facing away from him, on her side. He could see the machine that measured Sheridan’s contractions. They were very weak, about a .5 on the scale, out of ten, and lasting from ten seconds to a minute. Luis laid down on the bed, and curled up behind his wife. He was glad to see that Sheridan was sleeping. He wrapped his arms around her, and rubbed her stomach in light little circles. He had read that doing this was a pain reliever, and he wanted to help Sheridan as much as possible. He fell asleep too, and didn’t wake up until Sheridan did, three hours later.
Sheridan rolled over to face Luis. Luis looked into Sheridan’s bright blue eyes.
“How are you feeling?”
“Well, it’s starting to hurt a little more, and the contractions are lasting longer.”
Luis brushed some hair from Sheridan’s forehead and kissed her.
“Hey, that’s a good thing right? It means the baby will be here sooner.” Sheridan smiled at Luis, and snuggled into his chest.
“I can’t wait to hold her Luis.”
“I know sweetie, me either.” Just then, Dr. White walked in.
“Hello, how are you feeling Sheridan?”
“Not bad doctor, I’m so glad you are able to be here.”
“Me too, now let’s check and see your progress.”
The doctor checked Sheridan and said,
“Okay, you’re at three centimeters, from your chart, it looks as if things are moving a bit slow, but you came in early, so that’s a good sign. I’d say just try and wait it out. From the looks of things I’d say first stage of labor is going to last a while, so get comfortable.”
The doctor left, and Luis went out to see his family. They all rushed to him at once. v “How is she? How much longer is it gonna take? Can we see her?”
Luis held up his hands.
“Whoa, whoa, one at a time. She’s feeling fine right now, not in much pain, but she’s still in the very beginning of labor. The doctor said the baby won’t probably even be born until tomorrow night, or the next morning. And to answer your other question, yes, you can all come in and see her.”
Luis walked over to help Theresa out of the chair, but to his surprise she got up on her own. Pilar and Martin stood rooted to the floor. Theresa had been nearly comatose since Ethan died. She looked her brother straight in the eyes, and said,
“I can’t wait to be an aunt.”
Luis embraced his sister. They hadn’t heard her talk in seven months.
“Come on, I’ll show you to her room.”
Luis slowly opened, the door, and he was greeted with a big smile. Pilar walked straight over to Sheridan and kissed her.
“How are you feeling sweetheart?”
“Pretty good Pilar, but I’m a little worried about what it’s going to feel like in a few hours.”
“Don’t worry Sheridan, you’ll do great.”
“Thank you Pilar.” Sheridan looked up at the rest of her guests,
“You guys can stay for a little while, I really feel okay, and could use the company.”
Luis looked at Sheridan, and dropped his jaw,
“are you saying that I’m not enough company? Really Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, you hurt my feelings.” Sheridan didn’t buy his act for a second.
“Oh shut up, you know what I meant.”
Martin hit Luis. “Don’t tease your wife while she’s in labor son.”
Martin winked at Sheridan, and she smiled back. After three hours, Sheridan was no longer in the mood for chatting. Her labor was progressing, and Luis was watching the monitor that measured the strength of her contractions go up little by little. Pilar noticed Luis’ expression, and stood up.
“I think it’s about time we leave Sheridan alone.”
“Thanks mama. You guys should go home. The baby’s probably not going to be born anytime soon.”
He heard Sheridan whimper behind him.
“I’ll call you when she’s close to pushing.”
He managed to get everyone to leave, except Martin and Pilar. They wanted to stay, no matter how long it took, so everyone said their goodbyes, and good luck to Sheridan, while Pilar reminded her that she was just outside, if she needed anything.
Sheridan had been at the hospital six hours now, and was progressing slowly. The pain was tolerable, but after so many hours, anyone would get frustrated. The nurse came in to check on Sheridan, and said,
“Why don’t you take a nice long bath, while you still can. After your water breaks, you can only use the shower. I’ll go set it up."
After the nurse had filled the tub, she turned on the jets to a very gentle cycle. Luis helped Sheridan undress, and set into the tub. She sank into the water, and felt immediate relief. It didn’t stop all of the pain, but it was very soothing. Luis watched her soaking in the tub. She was calmly dealing with the contractions, and sipping juice. Luis was on his knees, beside the tub, brushing the hair of Sheridan’s forehead, and lightly her shoulders and arms. The sound of the jets, and Luis’ light touch made her feel so much better.
“Hmm, this feels heavenly Luis.”
“I’m glad sweetie. You’re handling this very well. Did I tell you how proud I am of you?”
“Only a million times.”
“Okay, well then let me say it a million and one.” He leaned in for a kiss and said,
“I am so proud of you Sheridan. You are remembering everything we’ve read, and trying to stay calm. I love you, and I love you too…we still haven’t picked out a name.”
“I think it will be easier to pick as when we see her.”
“Good idea.”
“No offense Luis, but can you shut up now.”
Luis made the gesture that he zipped his lips.
After an hour of soaking in the tub, Sheridan got out. The hot water had progressed her dilation some, and now she was at five centimeters, and the pain was increasing.
Sheridan sat on the bed for two hours, feeling her contractions, getting stronger with each one. She had been in labor at the hospital for nine hours, and Luis could see the toll it was taking on her. Sheridan turned to him, with tears in her eyes.
“Luis.”
“Aww sweetie, don’t cry. Remember crying just makes the pain worse. I’m here for you, tell me what I can do.”
“I need a hug.” Luis smiled at her. “I think I can arrange that. I have an idea. When you need a hug, we'll have a simble. Just reach your arms out for me, and that way you won't have speak, or scream.”
He hugged her to the best of his ability, while sitting in a chair beside her bed, and with Sheridan pulling on him strongly. After her contraction was over, she released him.
“Better?”
“Umm hmm. I was just thinking that we’ve been here for nine hours, and I’m dilated 5.5 centimeters. That’s just about half way, and the pain is getting worse. I don’t know if I can take it when he gets worse.” Luis wiped his wife’s tears.
“Sheridan, I have complete confidence in you. I know you can do it. You are very strong Sheridan, and I will be here the whole time if you need to lean on me.”
“You really believe I can do it?” Luis looked at Sheridan very seriously and said,
“I would never lie to you, and let me just say, we’ve watched a baby story every afternoon together right? Well, not one of those mothers’s looked as beautiful as you do now. I mean look at you, nine hours of labor, and your makeup isn’t even running.”
Sheridan hit Luis on the shoulder and laughed.
“Luis, oh.” He looked at the machine and saw her contractions had gone up to four on the pain scale.
“That’s it Sheridan, just stay relaxed. You’re doing wonderful.” When it was over, she let out a little breath, and told Luis she wanted to stand and walk around. Luis helped her out of bed.
They paced Sheridan’s room for a half an hour. Luis held on to Sheridan’s waist, and she grabbed his hand as the next contraction hit her. She bent over slightly, and Luis placed kisses all in her hair and on her cheeks. When the contraction was over Sheridan looked up at Luis.
“I like this kissing me silly when I have a contraction, it makes the pain go away.”
Luis was happy that she was still kidding around.
“Well in that case…” He started kissing her all over again.
They were both giggling, when Sheridan said,
“OH!”
“What’s wrong Sheridan?”
She looked down at the puddle that was forming underneath her, and Luis’ gaze
followed.
“My water just broke.”
Luis looked up a little startled.
“Well, okay…humm..that’s not a problem. Here, why don’t you sit down, and I’ll ring for the nurse.”
Luis placed Sheridan on the bed, and rang the buzzer for the nurse, when she came in, she cleaned up the mess, and called for the doctor. Dr. White examined Sheridan, and told her to sit or stand up, so the rest of the water could come out.
“I am going to check on you in forty-five minuets, and see how you’re doing. Hopefully the baby will be born in five hours.”
Sheridan fell back against the bed. Five hours seemed like forever after nine and a half. The doctor left, and Luis shut the door and ran to Sheridan’s side. She did their sign, and held out her arms for a hug.
“Oh baby, come here. Five hours isn’t too long. You’ll see, it will feel like no time, and the baby will be here. Here, let me give you a massage, that’ll make you feel better.”
Luis massaged Sheridan’s back, and put on some soothing music.
“Thanks Luis, you have the magic touch.”
“Aww, your welcome sweetheart. Remember, I’m here for you.”
After Luis had finished his thirty minutes massage, he checked the monitor again. He seemed her contractions were lasting about a minute, with three-minute breaks in between. The level of intensity of the contractions was a six, and it had been that way since her water had broken. Luis looked down at his poor angel, she seemed to be in a great deal of pain. She wasn’t screaming, or writhing around on the bed, but she was whimpering, and moaning every now and then, and she changed positions constantly. She was sweating terribly, and he new that stupid pad she had to wear to catch the amniotic fluid was annoying her, Surely all the water must have been out by now. Sheridan looked at Luis, tiredly.
“Can you please get me something to drink?”
“Sure sweetheart,” he said while wiping the cool, damp, washcloth across her forehead and cheeks, “what would you like?”
“Water.”
“Okay.”
He poured her a little glass of water, and she gulped it down in between a contraction. Luis wet the cloth again in the basin that he had, and wiped down Sheridan’s’ arms, and neck. A particularly strong contraction hit her, and she cried. She held her hand out for Luis, and squeezed. Luis watched on, as his wife was in constant pain. ‘Stop it Luis. Just stop it,’ he said to himself. ‘You’ve read the books, and they say don’t feel sorry for her, or she’ll feel sorry for herself too, and things will go to hell. Be strong and support her. Be strong and supporting.’ He told himself.
As the contraction ended, the doctor came back in to examine Sheridan. He looked at the readings the contraction monitor was putting out. He looked at the timing and strength of them, and the baby’s heart rate. The doctor sat on a stool at the edge of the bed to examine her. While he was examining her, he talked to her.
“From the numbers on the monitor there, it looks like the baby's heart rate is perfect and very strong. Whoever did surgery on you seven months ago should be patted on the back, he did a very good job.”
He looked up, and saw that both Sheridan and Luis were smiling at his joke. He placed her legs back on the bed.
“Okay Sheridan, here’s the deal. You are in active labor now. You are dilated to six and your contractions are getting stronger.”
Sheridan scoffed, “tell me about it.”
“You are moving along a little slowly, but I will check on you again in another 45 minutes to see how far along you are. I know you’re tired, and in a lot of pain, but just go with what your body tells you to do, and the baby will be here in shortly.”
After the doctor left, Luis returned back to his chair beside her bed and Sheridan practically yelled,
“He keeps saying the baby will be here soon Luis, but I have yet to see one. Have you?”
He knew she was getting a little irritable from being in labor almost ten and a half hours.
“He’s just trying to keep out spirits up honey.”
Sheridan looked at Luis.
“I know, but it’s REALLY hurting now, I don’t know if I can take too much more of this.” Luis kissed Sheridan sweetly.
“I know baby, I know.”
“Luis?”
“Yes.”
“Why don’t you go visit with your parents for a little while…”
“No Sheridan, I won’t leave you alone.”
“Really Luis, I think I be alone for a little while. Besides, I think you could use a break.” She said while combing back the sides of his sweaty hair with her fingers.
“Don’t you worry about me Sheridan, I am here for you, and I am not going through half of what you are. I’m not going to leave, you need me.”
“I didn’t…eww, uhh.” She clamped down on Luis’ hand again.
“Keep breathing Sheridan, remember, don’t hold your breath. Oh, you’re doing so good, it’s almost over… another five seconds. See, who would be here to read the numbers off the machine for you?”
“Luis, please. Why don’t you go talk with you parents for a while, and you can send your mother in while you talk to your father okay?”
Luis hesitated. He wanted to be there for her, and for himself, he wanted to see everything.
“Okay, but I won’t be gone long, and I’m, sending mama in, in five minutes.”
He saw her through one last contraction, gave her a kiss, and went to the waiting room.
Pilar elbowed Martin, and they both stood up quickly. With goofy grins they waited for Luis to tell them what was going on.
“Sheridan kicked me out.” He said, and slumped down into a chair.
“She what?” Martin asked.
“Well, she didn’t kick me out, she said that I needed a rest, and you two were probably bored and wanted an update on what was going on.”
“Luis,” Pilar said in a motherly tone, “Sheridan is battling some of the worst pain of her life, and she only things of other’s, and you make it sound like she did something bad.” She shook her head at her son.
“I’m sorry mama. I told her the only way I would leave is if you went in to be with her while I talked to papa, but can you wait a few minutes. I catch hell if you come in too soon. For some reason she wants some time to herself.”
Martin and Pilar exchanged looks, they both knew what the other was thinking, and that was…’Luis looked worn out.’
“So, how is she doing?” Pilar asked.
“She’s doing great, she’s a real trooper mama. She’s dilated to six centimeters, and her contractions are lasting about a minute, and she has a three-minute break in between. She hasn’t said anything yet, but I know ten and half-hours of pain is breaking her down too. I wish she could get some sleep.”
“Can’t they give her anything?” Martin asked.
“No papa, no drugs of any kind. The baby was already exposed to too many now as it is.” Pilar stood up. “I think I’m going to be go in and visit her now.”
“Thanks mama.”
“Mijo, you don’t need to thank me, I love you and Sheridan, and she is having my first grandchild.”
Pilar walked out of sight, and the gentlemen continued to talk.
“How are you holding up son? You look pretty tired. It is, one o’clock in the morning.”
“I'm fine papa, really. I’m just worried about Sheridan. I can see her becoming exhausted, and she needs her rest. She can’t push after being up all night. Maybe I can talk to the doctor when he comes back. He should be by to check on her in a half an hour.”
“You need to relax right now Luis. Hey, do you remember, a while back, I said I would tell you about the first time you and Sheridan met?”
Luis shook his head.
“I think now is the perfect time to tell it.”
Luis slumped down further in his chair, and his head was resting on the back of it.
“That sounds like a good idea papa.”
“Your mother had Miguel when you were nine, and we had no one to watch you. I called everybody we knew, and I couldn’t leave you with Antonio, because he wasn’t old enough, so finally, one of the women that worked with your mother said she could watch you and Antonio, and Theresa stayed with the Russell’s. I wasn’t there, but the cook and one of the maids told me about it. Well, you were in the kitchen playing with your cars, when Sheridan ran into the kitchen looking for Pilar….
~Flashback~
“Who are you?” Sheridan asked the strange little boy cautiously.
Luis stood up quickly, and stood proudly.
“I’m Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
Sheridan’s demeanor softened, as she realized he was related to Pilar.
“Are you Pilar's son?”
“Yes I am.”
“Where is Pilar? I got a 100 on my spelling test, and I want to show her.”
“She went to the hospital to have a baby.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see the baby. Pilar let me touch her belly once, and the baby kicked. Are you happy that your mommy is having a new baby?”
“Nah.” Luis sat back on the floor with his little cars and trucks, and started playing again.
“I already have a brother and a sister, we don’t need another baby, but mama and papa are happy, so I guess it’s okay. Do you have any brother’s or sisters?” Sheridan shook her head yes.
“I have a big brother, he is thirty two years old, and I have a nephew, his name is Ethan.”
“Nuh uh, your brother isn’t thirty two years old, my papa is that old.” Sheridan crossed her arms over her chest and huffed out.
“Julian is thirty-two years old. Cook, can you tell Luis that my brother is very old.”
The cook looked at the cute duo, both had bad tempers, and looked like they were fighting.
“She’s right Luis, her brother is thirty-two, and he is married and has a son.”
Sheridan smiled triumphantly, “See.”
“How come your mama waited so long to have you? Where is your mama? Do you live here in this big house?”
Little Sheridan got a sad look in her eyes.
“My mommy died, and yes I do live in this house. My name is Sheridan.”
Sheridan stuck her hand out for him, and when he took her hand in his, she curtsied. He looked her over, she was so formal, and so pretty. Her long blonde ringlets were so cute, and she had a very pretty face.
“Do you wanna play cars with me?” Sheridan became very excited, and knelt down on the floor with him.
“Okay…but I don’t know how.”
“It’s easy, you just push them around, and make car noises. Watch,”
Luis crashed two cars together and made a squealing, then crashing noise. Then, he took the police car, and sounded like a siren.
“Woo,woo,woo. Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald will save you.”
Sheridan giggled at how funny Luis sounded. He handed her a pretty sports car,
“here, you try.”
Sheridan wheeled the car along, and screamed a little.
“Oh no, I have a flat tire.” She swerved the car off of the ‘road.’ They laughed, and Luis took his police car.
“Woo, don’t worry maim, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald can change a flat tire.”
They both laughed and giggled, and played for hours.
~End flashback~
Martin laughed.
“When I got to mansion about two in the morning to pick you up, you and Sheridan were sound asleep, huddled together, with each holding your cars.”
Martin looked over and realized Luis was asleep, he would have to tell the story again sometime. Maybe for his granddaughter. Martin smiled happily, and picked up a magazine, and waited for Pilar to come back.
“Oh Pilar.” She sobbed.
Pilar hurried over to Sheridan and embraced her.
“How are you feeling Sheridan?”
“It hurts Pilar, and it just keeps getting worse, and I have so much longer to go, I don’t think I can make it.”
“That’s nonsense Sheridan. I have known you for a very long time, and I know you can handle just about anything.”
Sheridan smiled. “Thank you Pilar.”
Pilar sat with Sheridan for about a half an hour, soothing and comforting her, when Luis came back in. He looked reenergized
“Did the doctor come back in, did I miss him?”
“No sweetie, you didn’t miss him.”
Luis noticed that Sheridan’s legs were shaking badly. “Sheridan, what’s wrong? Why are you shaking?”
Just then, the doctor came in, and Pilar took this as her cue to exit.
“Dr. White, why is Sheridan shaking so badly?”
Luis was scared; he thought something was terribly wrong.
“She’s fine Luis, it is a common occurrence during delivery, now, let’s see how far you’ve progressed.”
After the doctor checked Sheridan, he gave them a grim look.
"It looks as if you haven’t dilated any more. I am a little concerned, you’ve been in active labor for 45 minutes now, and there hasn’t been any change in effacement or dilation. The only difference I can detect is that your contractions are getting stronger, which is peculiar because contractions get stronger, as you progress and dilate more. I’m going to come in another half an hour, if you haven’t progressed any by then, then we have to consider our options.”
“And what might those options be doctor?” Luis asked. He could tell Dr. White was skirting around the issue, and he was scaring Sheridan.
“We either have to give you something to move the delivery along, or consider a c section. Active labor, on average, last from two to three and a half hours, although it is not unheard of for it to last up to five hours. I’m just a little concerned about the how slowly you are progressing. Just relax, and I will be back soon, and then we can discuss everything.”
The doctor left, and Sheridan held her arms out. Luis enveloped her in a gigantic hug. He whispered soothing words in her ear.
“It’s going to be okay sweetie, everything is going to be just fine.” He said them, but was having doubts himself.
After a half an hour, her contractions had gone up two a 5.5 on the meter, and Luis was becoming frightened, but kept it together for Sheridan’s sake. Her pain seemed to be mounting, but she was progressing slowly. When the doctor checked her, he said she was dilated another half a centimeter. He would be back in to check on her, in an hour. Sheridan was complaining that her backache had gotten worse, and he was in agony, watching Sheridan hurt. She had been in labor for eleven and a half hours, with little relief from the contractions the whole time. Luis kissed Sheridan’s hand,
“why don’t we take a shower? It will help with your backache.”
Sheridan shook her head yes, and Luis went into the bathroom to change into his bathing suit. He came back out, and got Sheridan. They walked carefully into the bathroom, and Luis undressed Sheridan gently.
“There, doesn’t it feel better to take the stupid pad off.”
He didn’t want to say it, but he was kind of grossed out, it was covered with amniotic fluid, and blood, and mucous, and other disgusting labor liquids, and not only that, but her legs were covered in them too. They stepped into the shower, and Luis washed Sheridan’s body off. He was talking to her very calmly, and she relaxed, while the luke warm water hit her sweaty, overheated skin. After she was clean, they did a technique they had learned on the Internet to relieve some of Sheridan’s backaches. She let the shower pound on her lower back, while she rested all of her wait on Luis. Luis had changed positions many times, until they found a comfortable one. The one that worked the best for them was Sheridan resting her body and head against Luis’ chest. He was almost happy he chose that position, because that way, he could whisper to her, and say things to calm her down. Her contractions seemed to stay constant for the forty-five minutes they were in the shower, but just then, Sheridan’s knees buckled, and she her body seemed to be heading for the shower floor. She was on hands and knees, and Luis was beside her, in a panic.
“What’s wrong Sheridan? Are you okay?” She couldn’t answer him, because the next second she was throwing up. But, through it all, Luis was there comforting her.
“It’s okay Sheridan, get it all out.”
He was VERY glad they were in the shower when that happened. After she was done getting sick, Luis dried her off and carried her to bed. Her pain seemed to be increasing rapidly. She was rolling back and forth on the bed screaming.
“Oh My God. Oh Luis. Oww, it hurts. I can’t do this anymore. Please, I changed my mind Luis, I don’t want to have the baby anymore, she can just stay in there.”
She was thrashing around in the bed, and no matter what Luis said, he could not calm her down. He rang for the nurse, and she got the doctor right away. The doctor told Luis that she had gone from 6 centimeters, to 8 in a matter of forty-five minutes, and that’s what caused the vomiting.
“Active labor is over. If you want your family to be here for the birth, I suggest to call them now.”
Luis stood there dumbfounded.
“Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, did you hear me?”
Luis shook his head. “Yes, yes, I heard you.”
“Good. Your wife is in transitional labor now, and this is the most painful phase of labor. Try and talk her through it as much as possible. At the end of this phase, she will begin pushing.”
Luis was still in an awkward state of mind. Sheridan was REALLY hurting now, and they couldn’t give her any medication. The nurse came in, she talk to Sheridan about this stage of labor, and how to stay calm, while Luis stepped out of the room.
After he closed the door behind him, he put his back to the wall and covered his face with his hands. Tons of thoughts, memories, assailed him. He could see Sheridan’s beautiful face contort with each painful contraction. He saw Sheridan’s glowing face when she walked down the aisle on their wedding day. She was gorgeous, and her designer wedding dress was flowing behind her. He remembered thinking he could never be as happy as he was that day, but he was wrong. The moment Eve told them Sheridan was pregnant, was the happiest moment in his life. He remembered the time Sheridan had gotten caught in the mudslide in New Mexico, and how he saved her. He thought about the second time she almost died, when she was buried alive. He remembered the feeling of total desolation when he saw her casket being lowered into the ground. He remembered the feel of her skin, the first time they made love. She was so precious to him. He never thought he could connect to anyone they way he did with Sheridan. He remembered making love slowly, and full of emotion. They made love from lust, and ravaged each other. Another time they made love to heal one another, and make each other feel better. He felt her tongue on his lips, the gentle way she would stroke them until he parted them. He could smell her scent, the one that made him intoxicated with her from the first moment they met. He remembered his heart breaking again, when Sheridan was kidnapped. He could feel the cold and clamminess of her skin, while she was shaking, and holding onto him on the basement floor. He laughed through his tears, that had started falling the second her covered his face, although he didn’t realize it until now, but just the same, he laughed when he remembered Sheridan trying to make him an anniversary dinner. She was covered head to toe with every ingredient she had used to make the dinner. He could see the sparkle in her eye when he went down on one knee and proposed. He remembered the fire in her eyes every time they had a fight. He describe every inch of her perfect body, starting from the time he had seen her naked, sunbathing. He remembered the stab to his heart when he saw her lying unconscious on the cabin floor, with blood on her shirt. He felt the rush within him; just recalling it, from the time she opened her eyes and said Antoine was shot and not her. The time he ran into her in the woods in Paris, instead of in a grave. He could feel a fire rising within him, just thinking about the night they kissed on the wharf. The last thing he remembered feeling, was those gut instincts he got when Sheridan was in trouble. He waited for them now, but they never came. ‘Oh My God,’ he thought. He wasn’t having any of those feelings now. He brushed the tears from his eyes, and took a cleansing breath, and walked into the waiting room to tell his parents to call his family. “My baby is on the way.”
Luis walked over to Sheridan. She was yelling,
“I can’t do this, please make it stop, please, you have to give me something.”
He heard the nurse rationalizing with her, but he knew his stubborn Sheridan wouldn’t listen. Luis motioned to the nurse that she could leave, and she did. He sat down in the chair, and took Sheridan’s hand in his. He bent down on the bed next to her, and wrapped his other arm under her neck, and around her shoulder.
“Sheridan, Sheridan look at me. I want you to look me straight in the eyes, right now.”
She obeyed him, for he was being very serious, and his tone was not happy.
“I know that this is going to be hard for you. I know you’re in a lot of pain, but you know why they can’t give you anything. I am here, let me help you. If you work with me, I promise it won’t be as painful as you think, and this stage will be over soon.”
Sheridan swallowed back her tears and shook her head in agreement.
After a half an hour of the most horrible pain Sheridan had ever experienced, she thought she was going to go out of her mind. Luis was talking constantly about how good she was doing. ‘He has no idea what he’s talking about,’ she thought in her head. The intensity of her contractions was up to an eight, and the doctor told Luis this was the highest he has seen any woman go without pain medication. Sheridan was coping well, but Luis was still worried. If the pain reached an unbearable point for her, it was no question, she would pass out, and that would put both the baby and Sheridan’s lives in danger. Another strong contraction hit Sheridan, as she screamed and squeezed Luis’ hand so hard he thought he would never get the feelings back in it ever again. He was talking her through the contraction, but each syllable he uttered was like nails on a chalkboard. Half way through the contraction Sheridan screamed,
“SHUT UP.”
Luis was taken aback, but he kept talking.
“I just want to help you sweetie.”
With each word, Sheridan swatted at him. He kept talking, and all Sheridan wanted from his was to shut his damn mouth, before she held it shut for him. She hit him harder and harder. When the contraction was over, she yelled,
“GET OUT!”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, I want Pilar. I cannot stand another second with you ‘talking me through’ a contraction.
“But Sherid…”
“I WANT PILAR.”
Her resting period was up, and another contraction was slicing through her body.
“Sheridan, I’m here for you, you don’t really want me to leave.”
She turned to him, and Luis could have sworn her eyes were completely red, as if the devil himself possessed her. Her voice dropped an octave and she yelled.
“GET PILAR NOW!”
He didn’t dare face her wrath, so he ran out into the waiting room.
“Mama, Sheridan is screaming for you.” Pilar got up, and quickly went into Sheridan’s room.
“What happened this time son?” Martin asked.
“She really kicked me out.” He said incredulously, his jaw hanging to the floor.
Martin and the other fathers in the group couldn’t help but laugh at him…hard.
“And...she hit me.”
Martin and Sam were in stitches, and TC was practically rolling on the floor. Poor Luis just sat down next to Miguel and moped. He figured it would be safe to go back in about five minutes.
Pilar rushed to Sheridan’s side.
“Pilar, I can’t do it. It hurts too much OOHHH, AHHHHHHHH! PILAR.”
Pilar sat on the bed, and put Sheridan’s head in her lap.
“I’m here mija.” She rubbed Sheridan’s cheeks, just like she did when Sheridan was a little girl.
“Remember the song I used to sing to you when you were sick Sheridan?”
Pilar spoke no louder than a whisper, which caused Sheridan to quiet down herself so she could hear Pilar. Pilar was very wise, and had many motherly tactics.
“La cabeza, me duele la cabeza. La cabeza llame a doctor.”
It used to be a fast silly song that Pilar sang, and Sheridan would sing along until she forgot about the pain, but this time, she couldn’t forget about the pain, although the song was a great comfort.
“How about we had the word uterus, that would fit better.” Sheridan said sarcastically.
“Sheridan! How about we add stomach. But you have to sing it with me this time, okay?”
Sheridan shook her head yes, as another contraction hit her.
“Me duele la estomago.” Pilar sang, and Sheridan repeated, through gritted teeth.
“cabeza…cabeza. Doctor…doctor. AYYYYYYY.” Pilar was singing and Sheridan was screaming.
“Bring it home Sheridan” Pilar said cheerfully.
Luis walked in to see the end of their song, and could remember Pilar singing that to him too.
“La cab…ZA, me duele, la…ahhhhhhhh…cabeza.”
And Pilar finished for her “llame a doctor.”
Luis asked Pilar politely to leave, and she did.
Luis sat down silently and took Sheridan’s hand. Her brow was furrowed, and tears were streaming down her face, she was in so much pain. Luis looked into her eyes, and just stared at the beautiful blue that was screaming the word PAIN at him. He looked at the monitor, and the intensity was up to 8.5. He thought he could coach Sheridan through anything, but she was entering her 14th hour of labor, and she was so exhausted.
A horrific half an hour later, the meter had almost reached nine on the intensity meter. Sheridan was coming down off of her last contraction. She was almost at her breaking point, and Luis could see it. He knew, if that needle it 9, that was it for Sheridan. The pain would be too unbearable, and she would pass out. She was already suffering from extreme exhaustion. Luis kissed Sheridan’s forehead, and wiped her with a cool cloth.
“Listen to me baby, you’re almost done, and it’s almost time to start pushing. I need for you stay strong for me.”
It seemed as if her next contraction started right away, with only a twenty second break. Sheridan’s back arched off in the bed, and the needle slowly moved up to nine on the meter.
Luis could see Sheridan starting to lose consciousness. He shook her gently, and slapped her face. He had never been this scared in his life.
“No, Sheridan, come on stay with me.” She had stopped responding to the pain, and to Luis. She closed her eyes, and Luis panicked, and started crying.
“No SHERIDAN. SHERIDAN!!”
“No, Sheridan, come on stay with me.”
She had stopped responding to the pain, and to Luis. She closed her eyes, and Luis panicked, and started crying.
“No SHERIDAN. SHERIDAN!!”
Luis was just about to turn around and go get the nurse, when he saw Sheridan move slightly. He wasn’t sure, but he looked again, and she was trying to lift her arms, and reach out him. ‘That’s our signal,’ he thought. He embraced Sheridan, happily, and almost a little too hard. He was so relieved she was okay. He felt her lean her head against his shoulder, and sigh. He wanted to hug himself for coming up with that sign. As soon as he saw it, he knew Sheridan was okay. He stroked her hair,
“I love you so much baby.”
He couldn’t stop saying I love you, so he repeated it, like a love song written just for his wife.
He looked over at the meter, and noticed that her contractions were back down to a six. He placed Sheridan’s head gently on the pillow, and asked the nurse what that meant. Another contraction hit Sheridan before the burse could finish.
“OHHHH, I have to push.”
Luis’ eyes sprung open, and he looked to the nurse for conformation. He shook her head yes, and Dr. White was asked to come in. Luis almost skipped down that hall into the waiting room.
“Sheridan wants to push.” His face was lit with a glorious smile.
“Mama, Sheridan asked if you wouldn’t mind being with us for this.”
Pilar had tears in her eyes.
“I would love to see the birth of my first grandchild.”
Martin handed Pilar the camcorder that Luis used for a couple minutes every hour to remember this blessed occasion. Only during one of Sheridan’s nasty to contractions, she told Luis to shove it up…(enough said), and the camcorder ended out in the hallway, with Martin recording best wishes to Sheridan, and can’t wait to see you’s, from family and friends.
Luis and Pilar went to Sheridan’s side, each grabbing a hand. The doctor had put Sheridan’s feet in the stirrups and was asking her to push. An hour later, the baby still hadn’t come, and Sheridan was more the exhausted, there is not even a word for how tired she was. She didn’t have the energy to push. Pilar was mopping up the sweat from Sheridan’s brow, and Luis was whispering words of encouragement in her ear.
“Come on Sheridan, I know you can do this. You are so strong Sheridan, come on, the baby is almost here.” The doctor was yelling over all the chaos.
“Okay Sheridan, the baby is down the birth canal, she’s crowning.”
Pilar grabbed the video camera, and went to the foot of the bed to record all the action. Luis looked lovingly at Sheridan.
“She’s almost here sweetheart.” Sheridan had just come off of a contraction, and fell against the upraised bed.
“Oh, It burns Luis. It stings.”
Luis brushed some hair out of her eyes, and kissed her lips. He didn’t even feel her kiss back, she was very tired.
“Okay Sheridan, on your next contraction I need you to push.” Dr White said.
She looked tiredly at Luis and said, “I cant Luis, I don’t have any strength left.” Her words were slurring together.
Luis pressed his cheek against Sheridan’s “Oh sweetheart, yes you do, just a couple more pushes and the baby will be out. Come on, do it for me. Do you for the baby. I bet she can’t wait to come out so you can hold her, and kiss her, and love her.”
By the time Luis was finished, Sheridan’s next contraction was starting. He grabbed a hold of her shoulders, and helped her sit up.
“Are you ready Sheridan, here we go…PUSH.” The doctor yelled.
Sheridan took a deep breath, and pushed will all of her might, while the nurse counted to ten.
“AHH, EWW, OHH…AHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
“10!”
Sheridan fell against the bed.
“Did you push will all of your strength Sheridan?” Dr. White asked her. She shook her head.
“Uh huh!”
“Okay, just rest a minute, and breath through your next contraction, but don’t push."
The doctor talked to a nurse, and after two more contractions, the doctor explained that Sheridan was so weak, that in addition to her pushing, they needed a nurse to push down on her as well. Sheridan understood, and on the next contraction, they pushed. When she felt the nurse push down on her uterus, she thought she was going to explode. Sheridan let out such a high-pitched squeal, that even the doctor looked at her in shock.
“Okay Sheridan rest, but on your next contraction, I want you to push so hard, and the babies head will come out.”
Luis kissed Sheridan one last time, he saw her contraction coming, and said,
“Come on baby, push. Our daughter is almost here.”
“1,2…” The nurse counted and pushed.
Luis’ eyes almost popped out of the sockets. “Oh My God Sheridan, I can see the head. I can see her head. Open your eyes Sheridan, look!”
Sheridan obliged Luis and got a good look at her daughter’s head, and fell back against the bed, crying.
The doctor could see that she had nothing left to push with, not even the incentive of seeing the baby, so he said,
“do you want to touch her? Luis, take her hand and place it on the head.”
Luis helped Sheridan sit up, and took her hand. He gently placed it on the baby’s head.
“Do you feel that Sheridan? She’s got some peach fuzz huh?”
Sheridan’s cried, and moved her fingers around to feel her baby’s head. At that moment, she felt this unreal electricity shoot from her daughter’s body, and into hers.
The doctor saw some on the life back in her. “Ok Sheridan, this is it. With this push, the head will be out, and you might be able to hear her cry.”
Sheridan grabbed onto Luis tightly and looked into his caring eyes. He was so excited, and she wouldn’t let him down.
“PUSH SHERIDAN.” She pushed, all the while looking at Luis. Luis brought his thumb up to her cheek, and brushed away the tears.
“AHH, UH!” Luis looked down.
“Sheridan, the head is out. You’re doing so great. I love you so much.”
She pushed a few more times with the help of the nurse.
“Okay Sheridan, this is it. If you give me one more great push, your baby will be out and in your arms.”
Dr white announced. Pilar was crying behind the video camera, she couldn’t believe Luis’ daughter was finally here. Her greatest joy in life was having children, and she was thrilled that Luis was finally experiencing such joy.
“Are you ready Sheridan?” The doctor asked.
She shook her head no.
“Come on Sheridan, are you ready?”
“NO, I CAN’T DO IT!”
Luis grabbed her chin, and kissed her as passionately as he could. “Yes you can!”
She saw such faith in Luis’ eyes, so she grabbed his hand, took a deep breath, and pushed. “AHHHHHH!”
Luis was watching the whole time, and the second the doctor turned the baby around for Sheridan and him to see, he started crying along with the baby.
“Oh God Sheridan, look at her. Our little baby girl is here. She looks just like you, she’s gorgeous.”
The doctor cleared her lungs, and did all the necessary things, wrapped the baby in blanket, and handed her to the nurse.
One nurse pulled the top of Sheridan’s gown off, and the other laid the baby on her. Sheridan was so tired, she couldn’t even see straight, but she could feel everything the baby was doing. The baby received all of the extra oxygen from the chord, then they clamped it and Luis did the honors. It was so symbolic for him. He looked at the goopy little pink baby on his wife’s chest, and opened the blanket to count ten little toes and fingers. He was still crying like a baby, and sat down in the chair, to keep from falling over, however their baby girl had stopped crying.
Sheridan looked at Luis.
“She’s talking to me Luis,” which was true. The baby was cooing and making little sounds, and was definitely not crying.
Sheridan couldn’t even begin to describe the feelings she was having at the moment. She looked down at her beautiful baby girl. Finally, she had someone, besides Luis, who loved her and she loved unconditionally. She couldn’t stop the happy tears from flowing, or the enormous smile that donned her face.
Although the baby had a rough start, she was perfectly healthy. The nurse told Sheridan to let the baby find her breast, and not to assist her in any manor. That wasn’t too hard for Sheridan, she was so tired she couldn’t even move her arms. The baby opened her mouth, and sniffed, and eventually, little by little wiggled her way up to Sheridan’s nipple, and latched on. Luis had never seen anything so beautiful in his entire life, except for his two girls. Luckily for them, Pilar got the whole thing on camera, and then placed it on the dresser, and left the family to be alone.
“Oh Luis, I am looking right at her, and I still can’t believe it.”
Luis put one arm under the nursing baby, and the other one around Sheridan. He choked back some tears and said,
“I can’t believe we made her either. I love you so much Sheridan, and I love you…”
Before Luis could say another word Sheridan said,
“Ariel.” Luis nodded in agreement.
“I love you Ariel. I never thought I could love someone as much as I love your mother.”
Luis flashed Sheridan one of his beautiful smiles
“We’re a family!”
Ariel Lopez-Fitzgerald
Born 8/17/01
7lbs 6oz
Time: 5pm. EST
Parents: Luis and Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald
Full name: Ariel Katherine Lopez-Fitzgerald
“You look just like your mommy. I love you so much.”
He placed a kiss on her cheek, and the nurse asked Luis if they would like the baby to stay with them or go to the nursery for a little while. As much as Luis hated it, he thought the nursery would be best for now. Sheridan was exhausted, and he was too, and they desperately needed their sleep. Luis told his parents that he would call them the second they woke up, and they could spend some time with baby. Pilar had barely gotten a glance at her, and after the baby was born, Luis ran out, told everyone that baby was healthy, everyone was doing fine, and he ran back in the room. He didn’t want to spend a second away from his angel.
Luis laid down on the freshly made bed. He looked over at Sheridan. She was sleeping contentedly, and had a smile on her face. You could never tell by looking at her, that she just went through the most painful day of her life. Luis brushed her cheeks with his fingers. He was so proud of her. She had made him the happiest person alive. As much as Luis wanted to just stare at his wonderful wife, exhaustion won over, and he ended up falling asleep next to his love.
After a refreshing six-hour sleep, Luis woke up, and turned to Sheridan. He noticed that she was just starting to open her eyes too. They both woke up staring at one another. Luis took Sheridan’s hand, and kissed it.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I’d feel better if I could have my baby with me.”
Luis rang for the nurse, and asked her to bring the baby in. As soon as the nurse opened to door, Sheridan held out her arms for her beautiful baby. She brought the baby to her lips, and kissed her soft head. She opened the blanket the baby was bundled in, and took her hand. The baby wrapped her little fingers around Sheridan’s forefinger, and sighed contently in her sleep. Sheridan started crying. Luis turned Sheridan’s head to face his.
“What’s wrong sweetheart, are you in pain?” Sheridan shook her head no, that wasn’t it.
“I just…I just can’t believe that she’s finally here. After all the morning sickness, the cravings, the backaches, the swollen ankles, the million trips to the bathroom, the insomnia, the stretch marks, and all the pain, she’s finally here. I felt like I was pregnant forever, and going to stay that way. Now, when I feel something in my stomach, I think it’s her, but it’s not. She’s actually here, and she’s so adorable. I love her so much.”
Sheridan brought the baby up to her face, and held her close against her cheek, and smothered her with kisses.
“She’s all ours. I’ve never had a person who fully belonged to me. I’ve never had somebody, who loved me from the moment they took their first breath.”
Luis opened his arms for Sheridan, and she carefully and painfully, moved herself into his embrace.
“Sheridan, I may not have loved you since my first breath, but I will love you until my last.”
That made Sheridan cry even more happy tears.
“Oh Luis.” She turned her head and kissed Luis passionately.
“I love you too, so very much.”
She leaned in for another kiss, but before she could deepen it, the baby awoke and started wailing. Luis laughed.
“I guess we should get used to that.” Sheridan shook her head yes, and rocked the baby in her arms.
“I think she’s hungry sweetie, she hasn’t eaten in a while.”
Sheridan looked at Luis pensively; she was barely conscious the first time she breast-fed. Luis noticed the look and said,
“Go ahead, it’s okay. Remember, she’s all ours, you can feed her whenever you like.”
Sheridan laughed, but figured that Luis had more baby experience. She lowered her gown, and did everything she learned in class, and the baby latched on, and began to suckle. It was so beautiful. Sheridan looked up at Luis with wide eyes.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so…so needed in my entire life. It feels good. Actually it hurts a little,” She had a with a laugh, “but it feels wonderful.”
Sheridan laid back on Luis’s strong chest, and fed her baby girl. Luis watched on with such awe. He had fed his siblings before, but never had seen someone breast-feed. Sheridan seemed so natural at it, like she was made for motherhood. Luis put his arm under Sheridan’s and helped support the baby. Sheridan looked up and smiled at him. She could tell at that moment, that she would never tire of having babies with Luis, whether it be two, or fifty.
After feeding and changing their daughter, Sheridan was lying in bed, rocking, and humming to little Ariel. Sheridan looked up to Luis and said,
“Luis?”
“Yeah sweetie, what’s wrong, you look upset.” She swallowed back tears and asked,
“Will you check on my father’s condition if he’s still…I want him to see his
granddaughter.” Luis shook his head, and went to talk to one of the nurses. He came back five minutes later, followed by an orderly.
“Would you like to see your father now, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald?”
The orderly asked. Sheridan shook her head yes, and the orderly brought in a normal hospital bed, with wheels. The nurse took Ariel, and Luis carefully helped Sheridan move over to the other bed. When she was situated, the nurse handed Ariel back to her, and the orderly started to push the bed to the elevator. In the elevator the nurse informed Sheridan of Alistair’s condition.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, but your father is hanging on by very little right now. We do not think he we live through the night.”
Sheridan shook her head, and felt Luis place his hand on her shoulder.
The nurse went to in to check on Alistair first, and when she gave the word, the orderly pushed Sheridan’s bed in, and locked it in place, next to her father’s. Sheridan noted her father’s horrible appearance. He had tubes sticking out of him everywhere, and a mask over his face, pushing oxygen into his lungs. Luis stood in the corner of the room. Sheridan scooted slowly over to the side of her bed, so Alistair could see her. Sheridan moved the baby close to Alistair’s face, and whispered.
“Look daddy, isn’t she beautiful? Luis says she looks just like me, blonde hair, and blue eyes. I think she has your spirit father. I named her Ariel, party because Ariel and Alistair are similar. She’s 7lbs, and she was born early this morning. No one besides Luis and I have seen her yet, I wanted you to be the first one.”
Try as he might, Alistair could not move any of his body parts, but he concentrated very hard, and Sheridan could see his lips moving. She took the mask off for him, and Alistair uttered in a weak whisper,
“sh…she’s…beaut…ful.”
Sheridan couldn’t help it, the tears couldn’t be stopped. She moved the baby to Alistair’s lips, and he kissed her.
“I…lov…ve…you………both…for..ev…”
Those were Alistair’s last words. Sheridan’s cries turned to loud sobs, and the baby followed with sobs of her own. It was as if she was crying for their loss. Luis came over swiftly, and took the baby from her arms. Sheridan laid her head on her father’s chest, and wailed.
“I love you too daddy.”
The nurse came in, and after checking Alistair, noted the time of death and turned off the shrieking heart monitor.
“Would you like a few moments to say goodbye.”
Sheridan pulled her head from Alistair’s chest, and took one final look at him.
“No, we’ve already said our goodbye’s. I just wanted him to see his granddaughter, one time.”
The nurse nodded, and began to move Sheridan’s bed out of the room.
“If it’s any consolation dear, I think he held on just so he could see her.”
Sheridan acknowledged the nurse, and they wheeled her back to her room.
After returning to her own bed, Sheridan turned away from Luis, and tried to compose herself. She needed time to mourn her father’s death, but she also wanted to celebrate her daughter’s birth.
A half an hour later, Sheridan was sound asleep. Luis covered Sheridan up, and picked up the baby from her crib. He went over to rocking chair, and sat down. He hadn’t spent any alone time with his daughter yet. Luis looked down at the precious bundle in his arms.
“Your daddy’s little angel.”
He kissed her adorable little face, and started swaying in the chair. His daughter was very taken with him. She reached up a tiny hand, as if to grab on to one of his. Luis gave his daughter his pinkie to hold on to, and then bundled her back up. His scent, the feel of his sculpted body, and the roughness of his unshaven face. Those were things Ariel would always associate with her father, starting from now, until forever. The baby started to fuss, and Luis tried to placate her.
“You don’t want to wake mommy up, do you?”
The baby continued to be squirmy, and loud, until she got her way. She already had her father wrapped around her little finger.
“Okay, okay, I give up. I’ll sing, but only because I don’t want you to wake mommy up, and because I love you. I love you Ariel Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
With that, he hummed a few bars, but the baby’s cries remained persistent.
"Alright, alright. You are just like your mother, do you know that? That’s another reason why I love you so much.”
Luis started to sing, not hum, actually sing.
Goodnight, my angel Time to close your eyes
Luis ran his fingers, as soft as feathers, over his daughter’s tiny eyelids, and under them to wipe away the tears she had shed. He hated seeing her cry as much as he did Sheridan. He never missed a beat of his heartfelt song.
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
Sheridan woke up to hear a soothing sound in the distance. She opened her eyes slowly, and focused them on the most comforting sight. Her husband was singing, beautifully to his daughter. Sheridan knew this was a private moment between the two of them, but she sat silent, and listened. Luis sang with so much emotion, and his voice was so soothing, and low. She wondered if her father ever looked at her with such love, because Luis’ eyes were so full of emotions it swelled her heart. She watched the beautiful exchange between father and daughter, this moment would forever be etched into her memory. She knew some day, maybe on Ariel’s wedding day, she would relay the story, and she didn’t want to forget a second.
No matter where you are
I never will be far away
Luis raised the pinky that his daughter was latched onto, and placed a kiss on her tiny fingers. He ran his own thumb over them. He couldn’t believe how tiny they were. Her little tiny fingernails, and tiny knuckles. He gently removed his finger from her grasp, and wrapped her tightly in her blanket, and continued with the lullaby.
Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark
And deep inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me
Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Luis rubbed the little hair she had on her head, and brought her close to his lips for a kiss. But, he found that one wasn’t enough, and he continued to place kisses on her head. He heard Sheridan sigh, and looked up at her, and continued to lull his daughter into sleep.
Someday your child may cry
And if you sing this lullabye
Then in your heart
There will always be a part of me
Someday we'll all be gone
But lullabyes go on and on...
He silently rose from the rocking chair, and went over on the bed, and sat down next to Sheridan. He held the baby out for her, and she shook her head no.
They never die
That's how you
And I (and mommy)
He placed a kiss on Sheridan’s temple.
Will be
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel
Luis pulled the baby close to his heart, so she could hear the steady rhythm of his loved-filled heart. The threesome laid down, and as a family, went to sleep. With her eyes closed, Sheridan smirked and said,
“And I thought you said you didn’t sing.”
Luis’ face grew into a big smile, and fell asleep, with the two people he loved most in the world…his girls.
Miguel was looking through the window and relaying their every move.
“Okay guys, they’re at the front door.”
“Can you see the baby Miguel?” Paloma asked.
“No, Luis is holding her, but I can only make out the blanket.”
Everyone waited impatiently for the door to open, but it never did.
“What’s going on hijo?” Pilar asked.
“I don’t know they are just standing at the door.”
Martin walked over to Miguel, and pulled him away from the window.
“Maybe they are talking, this is the first time they are entering their house as a family. I’m sure they just want to savor this moment.”
Martin walked over to Pilar, and wrapped her in his arms.
“Do you remember the first moment we carried Antonio into our house? That is one of my most treasured memories.”
Pilar kissed her husband. “No puedo olvidar.”
Luis rocked the baby, and waited patiently for Sheridan to open the door. She just stood there, staring at the handle like it was a snake, ready to bite her. Luis looked at Sheridan with concern.
“What is it baby, what’s wrong?”
Sheridan turned her face to Luis’ and he saw the tears in her eyes. He took a step closer to her, and put the baby in one arm, and invited her into his other. After she felt secure, wrapped in Luis’ protective embrace, she cried her poor little heart out on his shoulder. Luis was so confused, he had no idea was prompted this. He knew she was still going to be moody and emotional, but this was unexpected. He swayed back and forth to calm Sheridan, and to keep the baby quiet. He rubbed Sheridan’s back comfortingly, and waited for her to calm down, which she didn’t. The baby picked up on Sheridan’s sad mood, and joined in the crying fest. Sheridan looked up from Luis arm, and took the baby from him. She cradled Ariel close to her chest, and rocked her. She wiped some tears from her eyes, and sniffed.
“I’m sorry baby. Mommy didn’t mean to make you cry. Shh, it’s okay.”
The baby started to quiet down, and Sheridan turned to Luis.
“Do you want to tell me what’s wrong now?” Luis asked.
Sheridan hesitated for a moment, and then confessed.
“I was just thinking about the last time that we had all of our friends and family at the house. That was the time Beth tried to…she tried.”
Luis pulled Sheridan and the baby as close to him as possible.
“I know sweetie, but nothing happened. She didn’t hurt us, and Beth is in jail for a long time. She can’t hurt us anymore.”
Luis took Sheridan’s chin, and forced her to look at him. He cupped her face, brushed away her tears with his thumbs.
“All better?” He asked lovingly.
Sheridan shook her head and said,
“NO! She did hurt us. She took Ethan away. If it weren’t for her, he would be standing in that living room, waiting to see his cousin, but he’s not…he’s not.”
Her cries were heart wrenching. Luis saw so much pain and sorrow in her eyes, and her voice was laden with grief. He knew how much she missed him, how much her heart ached to see him again. He saw the same thing in Theresa, but he knew with time, the pain would lessen. Unfortunately, for Sheridan, Ethan’s death meant she had to take over the entire Crane Empire all by herself, and that was something she wasn’t ready to face yet, especially after just giving birth. Luis leaned his forehead against Sheridan’s and said,
“I know you miss him terribly sweetheart, but I think that Ethan would want you to be happy now, and enjoy every today. Do you realize this is the first time we are going to enter this house as the three of us. You, me, and Ariel. We are the perfect family, and I can’t wait to take my beautiful baby inside, and show her off to everyone, okay?”
Sheridan shook her head yes, and Luis wiped the remaining tears off of her face. She took a deep breath, and stepped inside the house.
They walked into the living room, and everyone in the room screamed,
“Welcome Home.” Pilar ran up to Sheridan, and took the baby from her arms.
“There’s my precious granddaughter.” Pilar rocked the baby up and down, and made funny faces to her.
“Can you say hi to your abuelo?” Pilar asked, as she handed the baby to Martin.
Sheridan sat down on the couch, and watched the interaction between Ariel and her grandparents. Martin was placing smooches all over Ariel’s face, and she adored it. She didn’t even think about crying. She was pretty comfortable with her grandparents, but everyone else was a new face, a voice, a new scent, and she was having a hard time adjusting to all the noise.
Theresa sat on the couch next to Sheridan, and Martin placed Ariel in Theresa’s arms.
“Say hello to your aunt Theresa.”
Theresa took the baby, and held her gently. She stared into her beautiful blue eyes, and rubbed her tiny blonde head. She really had all of the Crane genes, just like Ethan. A tear fell on Ariel’s head, and if Sheridan hadn’t been sitting next to her, the baby would have started wailing. Theresa didn’t look anything like mommy.
The baby was passed around to her aunt Paloma, and her uncle Miguel. She was obviously pretty comfortable with Miguel, but in a lot of ways, he was just like Luis. Luis watched his brother and sisters holding his baby girl. He couldn’t have been prouder. They all showed so much love for her, and he felt like the best brother in the world, for giving them such a wonderful gift. Luis took the baby from Miguel, and said,
“Well, I guess that’s all her aunts and uncles.”
A man with dark hair, and dark eyes walked into Luis’ home, and remarked, “Not all.”
“Well, I guess that’s all her aunts and uncles.”
A man with dark hair, and dark eyes walked into Luis’ home, and remarked, “Not all.”
Luis turned around, and almost fell to his knees.
“An…Antonio.” He muttered. He stepped up to him cautiously.
“Hello Luis.”
Luis looked around to his other family members, they didn’t seem to be the least affected by seeing him. Luis’ jaw set, and his lips pursed together into a thin line.
“Somebody better tell me what’s going on.”
“Let me Luis.” Antonio said.
“I left to go and search for papa. I thought that I would find him, and bring him back within a few weeks. Well, weeks turned into months, and the months turned into a year, I had given up. I was ready to come back, but then I realized something. I realized that it would be me.”
“What would be you?” Luis asked sternly.
“You Luis, I would have to do what you did. I would have to make the money, and assume all the responsibility. I was frightened, but when I thought about how irresponsible and unfair to you I was being, I headed back home. I figured that we could share the responsibility. I was headed back to Maine when I got a big tip about papa’s whereabouts, so I headed off to France. I spent every dime I had getting there, but once I got to France, I learned papa was in Spain. I scowered the country looking for him, but after two years, and having absolutely NO money, I couldn’t get back to you guys. I needed money, so I got a job working on a farm, where I made very little money. I wanted to call you guys so many times and tell you where I was, and what I was trying to do but…but I was just so ashamed. I had failed you guys in so many ways, I just couldn’t bring myself to come home.”
Antonio stopped himself for a second, and took a breath to stop himself from becoming too emotional.
“I had made a bit of money, enough to come home, but after three years of living in Spain, I had made a life for myself, even…” Antonio trailed off.
“Even what Antonio?” Luis prodded.
A pretty woman, resembling Pilar in a way, very Spanish looking entered the house. She walked up to Antonio, and he wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I met the love of my life. Luis, this is my wife, Isabel.”
“What made you decide to come back now,” Luis asked, with a hint of resentment in his voice.
“I heard some villagers saying that the almightily Alistair Crane had died, and that before he died, he sent someone to Spain to send papa home. I had left in search of papa, and now that he’s back, I figured it was time for me to come and see my family again, that is, if you still want me.”
Luis stared at Antonio, not showing any emotion. Antonio waited to see how well Luis would digest his news. He hadn’t seen him for so long, and he wanted more than anything for Luis to accept him with open arms. Luis had so much to process, he didn’t know what to do. ‘Should I forgive Antonio, and welcome him back to the family?’ Luis asked himself in his head. Ariel cooed, and Luis looked down at her, he just got his answer. Luis walked up to Antonio, and hugged him. The two men embraced, careful of the little baby between them. Luis pulled back.
“I would like you to meet your first niece. Ariel Lopez-Fitzgerald."
Antonio carefully took the small bundle from Luis’ arms. He moved the blanket away from her face to get a better look at her.
“She’s beautiful Luis.” Antonio said with tears in his eyes. “I don’t see the family resemblance though.”
Sheridan stood up from the couch, and joined Luis.
“She looks just like her mother.” Luis stated proudly, while wrapping his arms around Sheridan. Antonio looked Sheridan over.
“Yes she does. You’re a lucky man Luis.” Luis nodded his head in agreement. Luis still harbored some bad feelings towards Antonio, but Sheridan assured him, that with time he would forgive him.
Antonio introduced his wife Isabel to everybody, and got reacquainted with his family and friends. Now that the awkwardness of Antonio’s surprise arrival had passed, Ariel began to make her rounds again. Sheridan handed the baby to Grace. Seeing Ariel’s tiny little features, and smelling her wonderful baby scent, sent Grace into emotional overload. Sam took the baby from Grace, and asked everyone to quiet down.
“Everyone, we have an announcement to make.” Sam said, an impossibly big smile donning his face.
“In six months, Grace and I are going to have a baby.”
Gasps were heard all around the room, and Kay, Jessica, and Charity ran up to Grace and Sam and smothered them with hugs and kisses. Sam looked down at the tiny baby in his arms. He couldn’t wait to have another baby, hopefully this time, it would be another boy. Ariel cuddled up against Sam’s chest, and fell asleep. Luis walked up to Sam and patted him on the back.
“Congratulations.” He looked at his sleeping daughter and commented.
“Well, I think Uncle Sam has a way with my daughter.”
Sam smiled up at Luis, and handed the baby back to him. Luis sat on the couch with Sheridan, and let everyone get a good look at Ariel.
An hour and a half later, people were still fussing over the baby. Everybody wanted to hold her and kiss her, and just stare at her gorgeous little face, and brilliant blue eyes. Charity and Miguel were playing peek-a-boo with Ariel, even though she had no idea what they were doing, and they didn’t realize it was scaring her. Babies need a sense of security, being only a few days old, Ariel’s brain was developed enough to realize they were only covering their faces, she thought they were actually gone, and she started to wail like a banshee.
“I think somebody needs her mommy.” Charity said, and then handed the baby to Sheridan.
Sheridan brought the baby close to her body, and kissed her poor baby's chubby cheeks, where tears were streaming down. She carefully climbed the stairs to the nursery and went in. She sat in the rocking chair, and tried to sooth her daughters’ cries.
“It’s okay baby, mommy’s here. Aww, shhh.”
She brushed the tears of her cheeks, and gave the baby a gentle Eskimo kiss.
“Who’s my precious little baby? Ariel, Ariel Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
She smothered the baby with more kisses. She was starting to calm down, but Sheridan knew what she needed.
“Okay, mommy knows what you need, yes sweetheart.” She said while unbuttoning her blouse.
Luis had spent an hour talking, and arguing, and crying with Antonio. They two men were now embraced in the tightest hug ever.
“I’m so glad you’re back Antonio. God I’ve missed you. Everybody has. I think the first we need to do, is to go to mama’s house, and break your candle, because you’re home, and are never leaving us again…right?”
Luis asked, somewhat unsure of Antonio’s intentions. Antonio grinned at his younger brother, “Right. Isabel and I want to start a life here. The only problem is I don’t have the money to buy a house, and start a beautiful family, like yours. The first thing I need to do, is find a job, I’ll probably live with mama and papa until I do.”
Luis thought about what Antonio was saying, and then decided to drop the bomb on him. “Do you have enough money to put a down payment on a house?” Antonio shook his head yes, “But I don’t have a steady job to pay a mortgage.”
Luis put his arm around Antonio, and pulled him out into the living room with him.
“I can get you a job, but you’ll have to settle for at least Seventy-thousand a year.”
Antonio’s jaw fell, and he just started at Luis. Luis laughed at the shocked expression on Antonio’s face. Luis looked around the room, and didn’t see Sheridan or the baby.
“I’ll fill you in later Tony, right now I want to find my two beautiful girls,” Luis said, and headed up the stairs, to the nursery.
Luis slowly opened the nursery door, and saw Sheridan feeding his baby.
“I’ll never get tired of seeing that.”
“Seeing what?” Sheridan asked Luis with a smile, as he started walking towards her.
“My beautiful wife, feeding my beautiful daughter. It’s one of the most natural, amazing, things I have ever seen.”
Sheridan’s deep blue eyes penetrated right into his heart, and caused his stomach to flutter. Luis sat on his knees, besides the girls, and rubbed his hungry daughter’s cheek with his knuckles.
“Do you want to join us daddy?” Sheridan asked him softly, with a sparkle in her eyes. Luis chuckled slightly.
“I don’t think I can share the breastfeeding with you Sheridan.”
Sheridan unlatched the baby, and stood up. She held out one of her hands for Luis, to help him off the floor, and to direct him to the chair. “Sit down.” She whispered. He did, and she sat down on his lap. Sheridan refastened her bra, and switched to the other side to feed the baby with. She tickled the baby’s mouth with her nipple, and when she opened it to latch on, she pulled the baby close to her breast. The baby started feeding again, and Sheridan pulled at Luis’ arm. She secured his arm, under the baby, so he could be involved too. She took his other hand, and laced their fingers together. She leaned her head back, against his shoulder, and whispered,
“I want to share everything with you Luis.”
Luis leaned down for a kiss, and thanked God again for bringing Sheridan into his life. He looked down at his perfect baby, she really was an unexpected gift. His heart was ready to tear in two, he couldn’t believe how Sheridan had made him feel at that moment, by including him on something so special between mother and daughter. He started to rock the chair, soothingly, back and forth. Sheridan relaxed even more against his strong chest and sighed. They sat there, for minutes, hours, they didn’t know, nor did they care. Sheridan, Luis, and Ariel bonded so much from one simple gesture. The love in the room was so apparent, and would be for the rest of their lives.